Organisers of the Niger Delta Games have reaffirmed their commitment to strict eligibility rules and the promotion of homegrown talents, declaring that only qualified athletes will be fielded for the second edition of the regional sporting event.
Speaking during a question-and-answer session with journalists in Asaba on Monday, the Chief Executive Officer of Dunamis Icon Project and consultants to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Malik Ikpokpo, said the Games were deliberately structured to showcase indigenous talents from the Niger Delta.
Ikpokpo spoke at the Government House, Asaba, shortly after the presentation of the ‘Torch of Unity’ to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
According to him, organisers have introduced firm measures to prevent age falsification and the use of ineligible athletes, stressing that the age limit of 25 years remains non-negotiable.
“We fixed an age limit of 25 years, and there was no verified report of any athlete exceeding that limit at the inaugural edition,” Ikpokpo said.
He explained that enhanced verification processes are now in place for the second edition, including collaboration with national identity databases to detect inconsistencies in athletes’ personal records.
“If an athlete has altered personal data multiple times, it will show clearly in the system. That goes beyond sports and helps us protect the integrity of the Games,” he added.
Beyond age verification, Ikpokpo emphasised that only athletes with legitimate ties to the states they represent would be allowed to compete, ruling out the practice of importing athletes from outside the region.
“To represent a state, you must be an indigene or a bona fide resident. We believe strongly that the Niger Delta has enough abundant talent to add value to the country without bringing in athletes from elsewhere,” he stated.
He noted that the policy was central to the philosophy of the Niger Delta Games, which is designed to discover, nurture, and expose grassroots talents within the region rather than recycle established athletes.
Ikpokpo said the organisers were confident that the strict fielding criteria would improve fairness, credibility, and competitive balance across all participating states.
“This Games is about development, not shortcuts. When people come and watch, they will see genuine talents emerging from the Niger Delta,” he said.
The second edition of the Niger Delta Games is expected to attract young athletes from across the region, with organisers expressing confidence that the competition will once again exceed expectations.
