Edo gets hosting rights for 2026 Niger Delta games

Edo has been named as the host state for the 2026 Niger Delta Games.

Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) unveiled the state as the host of the next edition of the Games on Tuesday.

The maiden edition was held earlier this year in Akwa Ibom.

Stanley Ogbuku, the managing director of NDDC, said Edo was selected for its good sporting facilities.

“Edo State was a deliberate choice to host the 2026 games because it has good facilities, although it would enable the development of existing facilities,” he said.

Ogbuku also added that several sports infrastructure in Akwa Ibom were rehabilitated for the maiden games this year.

“We uplifted the Uyo Township Stadium and brought back the swimming pool to effective use,” he said.

“The tracks at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium was also rehabilitated as part of our interventions while the GDP of the state increased as a result of the influx of over 3,000 athletes, 500 officials and huge number of other participants.”

Bayelsa are champions of the inaugural edition of the games, which held from April 1 to 8.

Nine states participated in the games. The states were Edo, Imo, Cross River, Ondo and Rivers. Others include Abia, , Bayelsa and Delta.