Team Edo have emerged overall champions of the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, producing a landmark performance on home soil in Benin City to end a 24-year wait for regional dominance.
The hosts finished top of the medal table after a tense battle that went down to the final day, amassing 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze medals for a total of 111. The achievement saw Edo dethrone defending champions Bayelsa and reaffirm their pedigree in Nigerian sports.
Delta placed second with 39 gold, 29 silver and 34 bronze medals (102 total), while Bayelsa settled for third with 25 gold, 24 silver and 26 bronze. Akwa Ibom finished fourth with 16 gold medals among 55 overall medals, Abia came fifth with 45 medals, Cross River sixth with 38, Ondo seventh with 34, Rivers eighth with 44 medals but fewer gold, and Imo ninth with 31 medals.
Reacting to the feat, Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, speaking through his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, described the victory as historic and dedicated it to Governor 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 stressed that the Governor’s commitment to sports development, improved welfare packages for athletes and coaches, and strategic investment in training and facilities laid the groundwork for the 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 boss also applauded the athletes, coaches, technical crew and support staff for their discipline and unity throughout the week-long event.
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.”
He further described the Games as more than just a sporting contest.
The Niger Delta Games have once again proven that sports remain a powerful tool for unity, peace, and development. As a state, we will not rest on this achievement. We are committed to building sustainable structures that will ensure continuous dominance at regional and national levels.”
The second edition of the Niger Delta Games featured over 3,000 athletes from the nine Niger Delta states competing in 17 sports. Sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission, the festival was widely praised for its organisation and competitive standard.
With the triumph, Team Edo not only reclaimed regional glory but also set a new benchmark for excellence in the Niger Delta sporting landscape.
