Sports

Over 3,000 Athletes, Officials Expected At N’Delta Games — Organizers

Published

4 months ago

January 21, 2026

No fewer than 3000 athletes and officials from nine Oil Producing States are expected to participate at the second edition of Niger Delta Games being hosted by Edo State.

The game, sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), will feature 17 sports, including football and a cultural night, and will hold from February 20 to 27, 2026.

Chairman of Dunamis Icons Limited, organizers of the Niger Delta Games (NDGs), Hon. Itiako Ikpokpo, disclosed this during an interactive session with members of the Edo State Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Benin City.

He stressed that participating athletes who must not exceed 20 years of age must be indigenes of the participating states.

According to him, it was shameful that across the country, cheating is allowed to go on in sports, urging all hands to be on deck to stop the trend.

Ikpokpo advised that efforts should be made to take talents hunt to local government level so as to discover more sports talents for the country.

He pointed out that States are not doing enough to elevate sports development, adding that low budgetary provisions for sports by States of the federation was far below what is required to uplift sports development.

He said: “We must go back to Schools Sports to discover more young talents for the country

“There is need to elevate conversation on sports in the country. The reason why sports has not become money spinner is because of the manner sports is being managed by administrators”, Hon. Ikpokpo said.

The Dunamis Icons boss, who fielded questions from journalists, called on NFF to look beyond Uyo Stadium for the hosting of international football tournaments.

He pointed out that the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin City is good like the Uyo stadium for international football hosting.

Sports

EPL: ‘Go For Alvarez’ – Paul Merson Hands Arsenal Two Signings To Make

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, has handed his old club two signings to make in the summer.

Merson wants Arsenal to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and a new midfielder.

“I would get a centre forward this summer, I would go for Julian Alvarez,” Merson said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.

“I am a big fan. If they could get him, I would. I still think they probably need another midfield player as well.”

Arsenal is expected to bolster its squad in the summer after winning the Premier League title ahead of Manchester City this season.

Sports

EPL: Wayne Rooney Picks Most Improved Player This Season

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney, has picked the Red Devils defender Luke Shaw as the most improved player in the Premier League following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

Speaking on his BBC podcast, Rooney said, “I think, for me, Luke Shaw. I think Luke Shaw has been the most improved player this season.

“I know he is an experienced player now, but I think his level this season has been much better than it has been in recent seasons.

“People might look at Kobbie Mainoo but I don’t think he’s improved. It was just the fact he wasn’t playing under the former manager so it wasn’t good or bad.”

Shaw enjoyed one of his most consistent seasons at Man United and started all of Man United’s Premier League games.

Sports

EPL: Maresca Signs Three-year Contract To Replace Guardiola At Man City

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Former Chelsea and Leicester City manager, Enzo Maresca has signed a three-year contract with Manchester City.

Maresca will now replace Pep Guardiola, who took charge of his last game on Sunday – a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on X on Tuesday: “Enzo Maresca has already signed a three-year deal as Manchester City’s new manager.

“Agreement until June 2029 and new chapter to start soon at #MCFC, with Maresca fully involved in the transfer strategy.

“Here we go, 100% confirmed.”

Maresca has been out of work since he left Stamford Bridge in January this year and has snubbed offers while waiting for the City job.