EXCLUSIVE:DELTA, CROSS RIVER JOSTLE FOR 2027 NIGER DELTA GAMES HOSTING RIGHTS

By Ohis Asein in Agbor

ASABA/CALABAR — The race to host the 2027 edition of the Niger Delta Games (NDG) is gathering momentum, with Delta and Cross River States reportedly locked in a fierce contest for the hosting rights.

An inside source close to the process toldfaksmedia.comthat the two states are currently “toe-to-toe” in their push to convince the relevant authorities that they possess the facilities, capacity and organisational strength required to stage the next edition of the Games.

The 2027 Niger Delta Games are expected to bring together young athletes from across the Niger Delta region, providing another major platform for talent identification, grassroots development and preparation of athletes for national and international competitions.

According to the source, both Delta and Cross River have shown serious interest in hosting the Games, with officials in the two states working behind the scenes to strengthen their respective bids.

“It is really a close contest at the moment. Both Delta and Cross River want to host the 2027 Niger Delta Games and neither state appears ready to give up,” the source disclosed.

Delta State has a long-standing reputation for sports development and has hosted several major sporting events, while Cross River has also invested heavily in sports infrastructure and has experience hosting regional and national competitions.

The decision on the host state will therefore be closely watched by sports stakeholders across the Niger Delta, particularly as hosting the Games could provide the successful state with an opportunity to showcase its sporting facilities, athletes and broader sports-development programme.

Beyond the prestige of hosting, the 2027 Games are expected to have significant implications for grassroots sports development, with athletes from the participating states looking to use the competition as a springboard to national and international prominence.

As the battle between Delta and Cross River intensifies, stakeholders are now waiting for the final decision from the authorities Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC responsible for awarding the hosting rights.

For now, Delta and Cross River remain firmly in the race — and the contest for the 2027 Niger Delta Games hosting rights is one to watch.

faksmedia.comwill continue to monitor developments surrounding the bid and bring you updates as the host selection process unfolds.