Edo State has formally commenced preparations for the second edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival scheduled to hold this February, with the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, declaring the state fully ready to deliver a world-class sporting event.
In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele, who also serves as Chairman of the Festival’s Liaison Committee, announced that Edo has entered full preparatory mode with the commencement of athletes’ trials slated for Wednesday, February 4 to Friday, February 6, 2026.
The Sports Commission boss expressed confidence in Edo State’s capacity to host a seamless, athlete-centred festival, citing the state’s modern sporting infrastructure and advanced facilities as key strengths.
According to Enabulele, Edo is not only prepared to host the Games but is determined to raise the bar beyond the standards recorded at the maiden edition, noting that all 17 sports associations participating in the festival are actively involved in the ongoing trials.
“We are fully prepared to hit the ground running. Edo State is ready to offer unmatched hospitality and deliver a significantly upgraded festival that will surpass the standards set at the first edition,” he said.
He assured that the organisation of the Games would strictly adhere to established rules and regulations, stressing that Edo’s hosting ambition goes beyond ceremonial participation.
“Edo isn’t hosting just for formality. We are hosting to win,” Enabulele added.
Highlighting the broader social impact of sports, Enabulele described athletics as a powerful tool for youth engagement and a sustainable response to societal challenges such as banditry, terrorism, armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes affecting the nation.
He noted that the convergence of youths from across the Niger Delta during the festival would provide a vital platform to identify, nurture, and groom future world-class athletes capable of restoring Nigeria’s sporting glory.
Enabulele also disclosed that the age limit for athletes has been increased to 20 years, a strategic decision aimed at expanding participation and deepening the region’s talent pool.
He described the Niger Delta as the backbone of Nigeria’s sporting success, revealing that between 60 and 70 per cent of athletes representing the country internationally originate from the region.
He stressed that the 2026 Niger Delta Sports Festival, scheduled to hold from February 20 to 27, is not just about medals, but about giving young talents a renewed platform to shine and project Nigeria positively on both national and global stages.
Under his leadership, Enabulele reaffirmed his commitment to delivering a festival that will excite fans, inspire athletes, and strengthen grassroots sports development across the Niger Delta.
The festival is expected to feature over 3,000 athletes, about 500 coaches and technical officials, and nearly 200 journalists, with competitions across 17 sporting events, making it the second-largest multi-sport gathering in Nigeria after the National Sports Festival.
