In line with its commitment to optimal preparation and a successful hosting of the second Niger Delta Sports Festival, the Edo State Sports Commission on Sunday moved Team Edo athletes and coaches into camp ahead of the regional sports fiesta.
As early as 12 noon on Sunday, February 8, 2026, the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, alongside members of the management team, including the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. A.P. Efe Amenze; the Executive Director, Sports Development and Operations, Mrs. Sabina Chikere; Director of Sports Development and Operations, Pastor Osayomore Aghahowa; and other senior officials were on ground at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, to oversee the smooth movement of athletes into camp.
Hon. Enabulele also visited the GRA camp facility to personally assess the level of preparedness and welfare arrangements for the athletes and officials. He expressed satisfaction with the standard of the camp, describing it as conducive and befitting for high-level competition.
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Addressing the athletes and coaches, the Executive Chairman charged them to remain disciplined, focused, and committed throughout the camping period.
“I am here to ensure that all athletes and officials for the Niger Delta Sports Festival are properly accommodated and comfortable. This place is good, and I don’t think anyone will have anything to complain about. I will be here every day to monitor activities.
On Tuesday, we will officially declare the camp open and ready for the Niger Delta Games in Benin. As hosts, no stone must be left unturned,” Enabulele said.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Sports Commission had earlier, on Wednesday, commenced trials across the state to select final athletes for the second edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival scheduled to hold from February 20 to 27, 2026.
Commending the coaches and athletes for their dedication and patriotism, Hon. Enabulele particularly praised the outcome of the Local Government Area trials, noting that the exercise has revealed promising talents for the future.
The Commission boss, who visited trial centres in Akoko-Edo, Auchi, Uromi, and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas, expressed satisfaction with the massive turnout of athletes and sports enthusiasts, declaring Edo State fully ready for the regional sports fiesta.
Reaffirming Edo’s readiness both to host and to excel at the Games, Enabulele who also serves as Chairman of the State Liaison Committee emphasised that there would be no room for complacency.
“We have no excuse and no compromise. As hosts, we must give our very best in every area. On Tuesday, I will return with the full management team to formally address you. Remain disciplined and hardworking throughout your stay here. If there are any issues, reach out to me,” he encouraged.
Expressing confidence in Edo State’s capacity to deliver a world-class event and compete strongly for honours, Enabulele concluded that preparations were on course.
“We are fully prepared to host the rest of the Niger Delta region, and we will strictly adhere to the rules set by the organisers. The trials have progressed well, infrastructure is being upgraded, and enthusiasm is high. Edo State is ready now to host the Niger Delta Games,” he enthused.
