The Chairman of the Delta State Athletics Association, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, has welcomed the selection of several standout athletes from the Niger Delta Games (NDG) to represent Team Nigeria at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Ikpokpo said the inclusion of the athletes in the national squad reflects the Niger Delta region’s sustained contribution to Nigerian athletics and its continued investment in grassroots sports development and high-performance training.
The Delta State athletics chief, who is also the Managing Director of Dunamis-Icon Limited, the brand owners of the Niger Delta Games, described the athletes’ progression from the regional competition to the international stage as evidence of an effective sports development model.
“Seeing our NDG champions and emerging talents earn places in the national team for an event as prestigious as the Commonwealth Games is a proud moment,” Ikpokpo said.
“This is not by chance. It reflects the deliberate, data-driven development structures we have established across the Niger Delta. We have always believed in identifying young talent, nurturing their potential and providing the competitive opportunities needed to develop world-class athletes.”
Delta State has long been regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading producers of athletics talent, consistently contributing athletes to national teams and major international competitions.
Ikpokpo said the current crop of NDG athletes possesses the mentality, tactical awareness and physical preparation needed to compete with the world’s best.
“These athletes carry the hopes of not only the Niger Delta but the entire nation. We have seen the commitment and hard work they have put into their preparations.
“The Niger Delta Games was created to develop champions, and we are confident they will deliver strong performances and make Nigeria proud.”
