Delta State has stepped up its build-up to the 2026 Niger Delta Games with a strategic meeting that brought together coaches and technical officials across 17 sporting disciplines, as the state targets a stronger showing at the regional sports festival scheduled for February 20 to 27, 2026, in Benin City, Edo State.
The high-level session focused on strengthening Delta’s competitive readiness and refining preparations ahead of the Games.
Officials emphasised the need for transparency and fairness in the selection process, directing coaches to ensure that only the best athletes emerge from open and competitive state trials.
According to the organisers, merit-based selection remains central to the state’s ambition of improving on its second-place finish at the maiden edition of the Games.
Coaches and technical personnel were also reminded to strictly adhere to the technical guidelines governing the festival.
The organisers warned that failure to comply with competition rules could undermine the state’s performance and risk sanctions, stressing that professionalism and discipline would be key to Delta’s success in Benin City.
In a related development, the Main Organising Committee of the Niger Delta Games has inaugurated Abia State’s Liaison Committee.
The committee has been mandated to coordinate athlete registration, organise trials and serve as a link between the state and the central organising body.
Officials of the Games issued a strong caution to all participating states on compliance with eligibility requirements.
They warned that practices such as age falsification, improper documentation or incomplete team entries would attract stiff penalties, including possible disqualification from events.
With months to go before the opening ceremony, Delta State sports authorities say preparations will continue to intensify, with regular assessments of athletes and coaches.
The state hopes that early planning, strict standards and adherence to rules will translate into improved performances and a podium-topping finish at the 2026 Niger Delta Games.
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