• Lineup Panto Ranking, Gospel singer Eben, DJ Phyna, others
From our Sports desk, Benin
It promises to be a glamorous opening ceremony today, Friday evening at the famous Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, Benin-City, the Edo State Capital.
Organizers of the Niger Delta Games; Dunamis Icon Ltd and partners have perfected their plans for the commencement of the second edition of the games, holding in Benin city from 20th to 27th of February, 2026.
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The ceremony will feature a cultural showcase and special performances, as popular musical artists Pato Ranking, gospel singer, Eben and DJ Phyna have been confirmed would be on stage to spice up the occasion.
The Opening Ceremony is scheduled to begin at 5pm inside the main bowl of the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium.
Chairman, Edo State Sports Writers Association (SWAN), Khinde Osagiede made this known in a press release circulated amongst journalists in Benin weekend.
The Governor of Edo State Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa and other top government functionaries will be gracing the occasion, organisers said.
As the management team of the games, sponsors and organizers; Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dunamis Icon Ltd are already in Benin for the big event.
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The management of the Edo State Sports Commission led by Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele is also on ground to begin the celebration of talent, culture, sporting brilliance and youth development beyond oil, the region is known for.
On Thursday evening, the stage for the entertainment was already set as finishing touches were being put to already made plans for a successful opening ceremony.
The premises of the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium is already in a festive mood with the branding, reflecting the colours of the nine states that make up the oil rich region and their heroes.
State contingents and officials for the Games arrived in succession at the Benson Idahosa University Games camp for athletes and coaches.
Also, media professionals and Committee members have arrived as accreditation followed. Delta and Bayelsa states, were the early birds.
Speaking ahead of the opening ceremony, the Chairman of Dunamis-Icon Limited, owners of the Niger Delta Games trademark, Sir Itiako Malik Ikpokpo expressed confidence and satisfaction with the efforts made so far, and the effects.
“We have come far into the preparations and while I am hugely satisfied and excited with what we have lined up, you can’t let down your guards at such a crucial time“, Ikpokpo told the media after the draws for the ball games.
The Chairman of the Cultural and Entertainment Committee Edi Lawani, who was all over the main bowl of the stadium where sound checks, visual displays and choreography were being perfected, also assured that the ceremony will be grand.
“It is going to be two hours to remember as we have lined up A-list musical and comedy performances”, Lawani, the country’s foremost entertainment impresario asserts.
“The opening ceremony will feature lead performances by Pato Ranking and gospel singer, Eben”, Lawani enthused.
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