By our reporter 24.2.2026
Organisers of the Niger Delta Games remained eagle eyed as they hunted for age cheats at the ongoing events in Benin City.
A swimmer from the host State who won six gold was caught and he was promptly disqualified and his medals withdrawn.
The Niger Delta Games is strictly for U-20 athletes, but some of the coaches still found a way to smuggle in their over-aged team members.
At the screening technical officials were unbending as they weeded out over-aged athletes.
“We are not taking the issue of age-cheating lightly. Some coaches decided to smuggle in athletes we already screened out, but our technical officers are much smarter too,” said Hon. Itiako Ikpokpo chairman of the organising committee.
“Any athlete caught will have his medals withdrawn and the state pay penalty as stipulated by the rules of the Games.”
Swimming at the Niger Delta Games.