The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Desmond Enabulele, has praised the extensive renovation of sports facilities as preparations ramp up for the second Niger Delta Games to be held in Benin City from February 20 to 27.
Enabulele made his comments after a comprehensive inspection of the venues designated for the Games. He emphasized that these upgrades are a significant advantage associated with hosting this regional multi-sport event.
The inspection, which involved members of the Commission's management team, included a review of the tennis courts, the swimming pool, and the indoor sports hall at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. The assessment also covered the basketball and volleyball courts at the Wire Road Sports Centre.
The Niger Delta Games is being organized by Dunamis-Icon Limited and enjoys sponsorship from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), an agency created in 2000 to foster development in Nigeria's oil-rich region. The Games aim to enhance youth involvement, discover talent, and promote grassroot sports across the nine Niger Delta states.
After the venue inspection, Enabulele expressed satisfaction with the upgrades. "The facility upgrade is 90 percent complete, and we are pleased with the progress made. This improvement is one of the many benefits that come with hosting the Games in our state. The tennis court and indoor halls at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium are fully ready, while work on the swimming pool is well advanced. We are ready for the Games," he stated.
Originally constructed in 1982 and renovated to meet modern standards, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium is one of Nigeria's leading sports venues, previously hosting significant athletics events and football matches. The ongoing upgrades are anticipated to bolster Edo's position as a sports hub in the South-south region.
In addition to the venue checks, Enabulele visited the Edo State athletic team and officially opened Team Edo's camp in the Government Reservation Area (GRA) of Benin City. This camp commenced on February 8 to offer athletes ample preparation time for the Games.
While addressing the athletes and their coaches on February 10, Enabulele encouraged them to surpass their performances from the first edition held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where Edo secured the highest number of silver and bronze medals but lacked in gold.
"We are prepared for the 2026 Niger Delta Games. I congratulate all of you present. Remember that you are representing our state and are already achievers by being selected for this mission. You are now state ambassadors," he reiterated.
He emphasized the importance of discipline, stating, "As we engage in this camp, discipline must be our guiding principle. We have set ambitious goals that require discipline and commitment to attain. During this edition of the Niger Delta Games, our aim is not merely to participate, but to claim victory. We can achieve this as hosts if we maintain discipline."
He further urged the athletes to transform their previous near successes into winning opportunities. "We need to shift the narrative. Last time, we earned the most silver and bronze medals. This time, we must strive to convert those to gold medals," he concluded.
In turn, Victor Umoru, head coach of the basketball team, representing the athletes, praised the Commission for improving the wellbeing and support provided to athletes and coaches within the camp.
As the facilities approach completion and Team Edo settles in, the focus shifts to performance, as the host state aspires not only to organize an exceptional tournament but also to lead the medals tally at home.
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