The co-chairman of the 2026 Niger Delta Games, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, has announced that more than 2,800 athletes are expected to participate in the second edition of the Niger Delta Development Commission event, scheduled for February next year.

Ikpokpo disclosed this during a media briefing in Lagos on Wednesday.

He explained that each of the nine Niger Delta states will present 270 athletes for the competition.

“We want to build on last year’s achievement, and each participating state will submit a list of 270 athletes,” he said.

Ikpokpo emphasised that the organisers are committed to helping states nurture and develop sporting talent, adding that the High Performance Centre in Port Harcourt will serve as a training hub for athletes identified during the Games.

“We don’t want to own the athletes; that’s the responsibility of the states. Ours is to create a competitive platform and help groom them for the states to develop,” he stated.

As with the maiden edition, Ikpokpo confirmed that organisers will provide accommodation and allowances for all athletes and officials throughout the event.