From Marcus Nkire
Excitement brews as the Niger-Delta Games (NDG) swing by once again. An event with a heightened competitive edge, a penchant for the limelight and captivating highlights enough to engineer satisfying sporting memories that last a lifetime.
With the 2026 edition firmly slated for the 20th to 27th of February as announced recently, the event powered by Dunamis Icon Ltd and sponsored by the Niger-Delta Development Council (NDDC) disclosed that Edo state has gotten the nod to host the second installment of the much-anticipated event.
This initiative exemplifies the commitment of the NDDC to youth development, empowerment and investing in human capital in the region. The nine states who are said to be involved are as follows; Edo, Rivers, Cross river, Akwa Ibom, Imo, Ondo State, Abia, Delta, Bayelsa
For every successful occasion there’s a benign hero, a quiet force that offers organization, management and hospitality gains through sheer work, repertoire and elite standards. Dunamis Icon Limited represents that, after a successful first edition, and a reputation through the roof, under the leadership of the Managing Consultant of Dunamis Icon and Project Manager, Niger Delta Games, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, Dunamis Icon will once again plan, procure and ensure an auspicious event for those in attendance and participants alike.
While preparations are in motion, over 450 athletes and 60 coaches have already been registered by the state. The entry window slammed shut on Friday last week and the commencement of trials to determine the final list of athletes ratified to contest in the event are being processed.
It is imperative to understand the fuss, why the anticipation is not misplaced, what to expect and why the first edition made such an impression. Competition brings the best and worst out of performers and for the spectators, that can only spell one thing “Excitement”.
The Olympic-styled games which had the athletes performing at various sporting disciplines and categories ranging from athletics to weightlifting, was a hotly contested spectacle, with only a solitary gold medal separating team Edo (state) from the eventual winners, team Bayelsa (state).
With over 3000 games played last year, both states dominated the track and field events with Delta racking up gold medals in the men’s 100 meters, women’s 100 meters, Men’s triple jump and women’s shot put while Bayelsa state captured gold in the 4 x 100m relay, women’s 200m, silver in the javelin event a double silver medal in both the 100m and 200m events respectively. As well as dominating the wrestling event, winning 11 medals in the process.
The competition aimed a harnessing youth engagement and talent discovery through sports encourages young people to be intentional about physical activities, as it serves a proven potion for the mind, body and soul’s overall well-being.
Some outstanding performers were on show at the week-long competition which had 17 different sports events to participate in; Favor Ashe, Jennifer Chukwuka, Lucky Daje, Shalom George, Emmanuel Ine, Augustine Ezuruiike and Sofia Efetebore, to name a few, all won medals at NDSF 2025.
If the first edition is anything to go by in terms of expectations for this year’s edition, then we’re in for a barnstorming event. And with Dunamis Icon at the helm, setting the tone, evolving organizational standards and management principles. Brace yourselves for a stunner!
