Sports
Niger Delta Games: Organisers Launch Measures to Stop Athlete Poaching
Joel Ajayi
Dunamis-Icon Limited, organisers of the Niger Delta Games (NDG) on Wednesday in Benin reiterated that states are prohibited from presenting non-indigenous athletes at the 2nd edition of the games scheduled for Edo State from February 20-27.
This is even as the company and the host state, Edo reaffirmed their commitments to organising the biggest regional sporting fiesta that will surpass the maiden edition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The position of the organisers was emphasised at a press conference inside the Media Centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, by the managing consultant of Dunamis-Icon Limited, and project manager of the Niger Delta Games, Sir Itiako Malik Ikpokpo.
“We are determined to stamp out the practice of athletes poaching, buying of discovered athletes from other states. So, states can only field athletes verified to be an indigene of the state”, declared Ikpokpo, who also is the Co-Chairman of the Main Organising Committee.
Clarifying the regulation, Ikpokpo said, “we want to encourage grassroots development of sports by discovering and nurturing talents in the nine states. There is no state that can not find talents that can represent them”, he insisted.
According to him, “the Niger Delta region has consistently produced some of Nigeria’s finest athletes”, stressing that “the nine Niger Delta states are blessed with abundant sporting talents”.
Towards ensuring compliance, the organisers have set up a monitoring system that will be deployed for screening, while coaches have been advised to scout talents at the grassroots. In his words, “true athletes are found in classrooms and communities.”
He went to also state that the rules have been adjusted to permit only athletes who are 20 years old and below.
Delving into the schedule of the games, Ikpokpo announced that athletes are expected to arrive in Benin City on February 19, 2026, while the opening ceremony of the Games will take place on February 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
He further announced that local government trials will commence next week, as organisers are determined to improve on the standards set during the maiden edition in Akwa Ibom State.
Ikpokpo expressed appreciation to members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Edo State Chapter, and other media practitioners for their support for sports development in the Niger Delta region and the country at large.
A total of 17 sports will be featured at the Games, sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Sports
AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja
Joel Ajayi
The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.
In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.
Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.
The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.
As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.
The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.
The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.
With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.
Africa is coming to Abuja.
.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
