By our reporter 14.12.2025
The Niger Delta Games, in a bid to stick to its original goal of discovering athletes in the locality will restrict the sports fiesta to athletes under the age of 20.
NDG consultant Itiako Ikpokpo disclosed that all the participating states have been made to be aware of the development as the technical committee will ensure there is compliance. According to him there would be no cross carpeting of athletes.
“You can only compete for your State of origin in all the 17 sports.
“The screening of athletes committee are up to the task of ensuring that there is strict compliance to the rules regarding participation,” Ikpokpo who is also Delta State Athletics Association chairman stated.
He noted that the NDG is about discovery of athletes from the Niger Delta area and it was up to the States to invest in the talents discovered.
“In the last edition we identified 600 prospective athletes, but only paid attention to 150 of them.
“We don’t own the athletes; we discovered them and expect that the States and clubs in the Niger Delta will take it them up.”
Registration of athletes for the NDG began on December 8 and from February 20-27 they will vie for honours and showcase their talents at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and other venues in Benin City Edo State.