Niger Delta Games to be expanded to 21 sports,says Ikpokpo

Niger Delta Games to be expanded to 21 sports,says Ikpokpo

The CEO of Dunamis Icon Ltd and lead Consultant to the NDG, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, has revealed plans to increase the number of sports from 16 to 21 at the next edition of the regional games.

Speaking at the media centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Ikpokpo explained that the expansion would depend largely on the popularity of the sports within the Niger Delta region. According to him, the vision of the games goes beyond winning medals, stressing that talent discovery remains the primary objective.

He noted that canoeing was removed from this year's programme due to lack of equipment in participating states, while Taekwondo was introduced instead.

He emphasized that one of the key legacies of the Games is ensuring athletes welfare and proper organisation.

This informed the decision to use Benson Idahosa University as the Games Village, allowing athletes and coaches to stay together in one location to foster bonding and comfort.

He reiterated that the competition is not about winning at all costs but about discovering hidden talents and demonstrating that sports events in Nigeria can be properly organized.

Meanwhile, Chief Ikpokpo has called for a return to vibrant school sports and urged state governments to adequately fund coaches to drive grassroots talent identification.

Expressing satisfaction with the smooth conduct of the Games, he praised the screening committee and insisted that strict adherence to rules without bias is essential for sports development.

Explaining the reduction of the age limit from Under 25 to U-20, Ikpokpo said the move is already yielding positive results.

He cited the example of a 13-yeat-old athlete who progressed from finishing last in the previous edition to winning gold this year when competing among her age peers. He also recalled that several athletes from the maiden edition went on to win medals at last year's National Sports Festival.

Ikpokpo concluded by commending journalists for their support and urged them to sustain the robust coverage of the tournament to further boost its impact and visibility.

The former two-time chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area in Delta State,declared that the Niger Delta Games had become a transformative force in Nigeria's sports landscape, providing a credible platform for discovering young talents from the grassroots. According to him, many states had previously focussed more on winning competitions rather than developing athletes through structured policies and long-term programmes.

Ikpokpo emphasized that the competition has already unearthed future stars who, if properly groomed and exposed, could shine on the global stage.

He added that the Games have revitalized sporting rivalry in the region while narrowing the performance gap among participating states.

He commended the Niger Delta Development Commission and other stakeholders for backing what he described as a noble initiative that has become a rallying point for unity and talent showcase in the region.

Ikpokpo urged sustained support, stressing that the Games remain a vital tool for advancing sports development.