NDG has identified 600 medal potentials in national, international games, Ikpokpo reveals

By MMN reporter 11.12.2025
Preparations by athletes for the 2nd Niger Delta Games has begun in earnest and according to the organisers the event remains a nursery ground for the discovery of potential medal winners in local and international sports event.
According to Mr. Itiako Ikpokpo, who is the managing director of Dunamis-Icon Limited, project consultants for the NDG, at the 2025 edition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, 600 athletes were penciled down for future greatness. And as the 2026 edition rolls off February 20-27 in Benin City Edo State, more athletes would be discovered.
Mr. Ikpokpo stated that the primary purpose of the NDG was to present a platform for athletes to showcase their talents, the Niger Delta region being a catchment area for sporting talents.
“We have identified over 600 athletes at the Games, and it is left for the Niger Delta States to harness those talents to achieve their full potentials,” said Ikpokpo, who is also the Delta State Athletics Association chairman,
He added that it was important the athletes have an atmosphere devoid of unwholesome practice to compete and exhibit their talents.
“Part of the process is by getting down to the grassroots to inspire interest and participation in various sports disciplines and strengthening eligibility rules to curb issues like age cheating and poaching across states and also to encourage states to invest in sports infrastructure.
“Critical to the task is the need for competitions which provides the platform for athletes to showcase their talents. This is what the NDDC is doing by sponsoring the games”.
He said that each of the nine participating states would present equal 270 athletes to compete in the 17 sports disciplines to be featured in the games.
Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Alabo Boma Iyaye, that the 2nd Niger Delta Games would be more impactful than the first edition.
“Uyo has been acclaimed very successful, but I must admit that it was not perfect. We are going to build on the successes and deliver a more efficient second edition,” he promised.