Team Edo has emerged overall champion of the 2nd Niger Delta Games, which concluded on Sunday night at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
The host state secured a total of 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze medals, ending a 24-year wait for regional dominance and reaffirming its position as a major force in Nigerian sports.
Arch rival, Delta State, finished second with 39 gold, 29 silver and 34 bronze medals (102 total). Bayelsa State, winners of the inaugural edition held in Uyo last year, placed third with 25 gold, 24 silver and 26 bronze medals.
The tightly contested medal race extended to the final day of competition. Akwa Ibom State finished fourth with 16 gold medals among its 55 total medals, while Abia State claimed fifth place with 45 medals. Cross River State came sixth with 38 medals, followed by Ondo State in seventh with 34 medals. Rivers State placed eighth with 44 medals but fewer gold, while Imo State rounded off the table in ninth position with 31 medals.
Reacting to the achievement, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, speaking through his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, described the victory as a defining moment in the state’s sporting history. He dedicated the triumph to the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa.
“This victory belongs to His Excellency, our dynamic and sports-loving Governor,” Enabulele declared.
“From the very beginning, he made it clear that Edo would not only host but compete to win. He provided the vision, the resources, and the enabling environment that empowered our athletes to perform at their very best”, he said.
He emphasized that the Governor’s commitment to sports development, improved welfare packages for athletes and coaches, and strategic investments in training and facilities laid the foundation for the historic success.
“Breaking a 24-year jinx is not a coincidence,” Enabulele stated.
“It is the product of intentional leadership, disciplined preparation, and the resilience of our athletes. His Excellency believes strongly in youth empowerment through sports, and today, that belief has translated into gold medals and statewide pride”, he added.
The Sports Commission Chairman also commended athletes, coaches, technical crew and support staff for their discipline, focus and determination throughout the week-long competition.
“Our athletes competed with courage and unity. They carried the pride of Edo on their shoulders and delivered beyond expectations. I am immensely proud of their sportsmanship and fighting spirit. This triumph is a message to the nation that Edo is back, stronger and better.”
The second edition of the Niger Delta Games featured over 3,000 athletes from the nine Niger Delta states competing in 17 sporting events.
The festival was sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and received commendation for its organisation and competitive intensity.
