Team Edo delivered a commanding performance to emerge overall champions of the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, ending a 24-year drought for a major multi-sport title in emphatic fashion.
Competing on home soil, Edo stunned defending champions Bayelsa and other regional heavyweights with a dominant medal haul that left little doubt about their supremacy.
The hosts finished top of the standings with 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze medals — an impressive total of 111 medals.
The achievement marks a significant turnaround for the state’s sporting fortunes and signals a resurgence many fans had long anticipated.
Delta State, winners of the maiden edition, settled for second place after amassing 39 gold, 29 silver and 34 bronze medals, bringing their total to 102.
Bayelsa, who had been tipped by many to retain their crown, slipped to third position with 25 gold, 24 silver and 26 bronze medals for a total of 75.
Akwa Ibom claimed fourth place with 16 gold, 17 silver and 22 bronze medals, totaling 55.
Abia followed in fifth with 45 medals made up of nine gold, 20 silver and 17 bronze.
Cross River secured sixth position, earning 38 medals, nine gold, seven silver and 22 bronze, while Ondo placed seventh with a haul of 34 medals, comprising seven gold, 13 silver and 14 bronze.
Rivers finished eighth with six gold, 16 silver and 24 bronze medals, totaling 46, and Imo rounded off the table in ninth place with five gold, eight silver and 18 bronze medals for an overall 31.
The week-long sporting spectacle attracted more than 3,000 athletes from the nine Niger Delta states.
The event, organized by Dunamis Icon Limited and sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), featured competition in 16 sports.
Beyond the medals, the Games served as a platform for nurturing young talent, fostering unity among states in the region, and promoting healthy rivalry through sportsmanship.
Reacting to the landmark victory, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Desmond Enabulele, described the triumph as a defining moment in the state’s sporting history.
He dedicated the success to Governor Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, praising their commitment to sports development.
According to him, the Governor’s clear vision, improved welfare for athletes and coaches, and strategic investment in facilities created the foundation for Edo’s success.
He noted that breaking a 24-year title drought was no accident but the result of careful planning, disciplined preparation and the determination of the athletes.
The chairman also applauded the athletes, coaches and technical crew for their unity and resilience throughout the competition, stating that their performance had restored pride to the state.
With the victory, Edo not only reclaimed regional glory but also sent a strong message about its renewed ambition in Nigerian sports.
Team Edo delivered a commanding performance to emerge overall champions of the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, ending a 24-year drought for a major multi-sport title in emphatic fashion.
Competing on home soil, Edo stunned defending champions Bayelsa and other regional heavyweights with a dominant medal haul that left little doubt about their supremacy.
The hosts finished top of the standings with 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze medals — an impressive total of 111 medals.
The achievement marks a significant turnaround for the state’s sporting fortunes and signals a resurgence many fans had long anticipated.
Delta State, winners of the maiden edition, settled for second place after amassing 39 gold, 29 silver and 34 bronze medals, bringing their total to 102.
Bayelsa, who had been tipped by many to retain their crown, slipped to third position with 25 gold, 24 silver and 26 bronze medals for a total of 75.
Akwa Ibom claimed fourth place with 16 gold, 17 silver and 22 bronze medals, totaling 55.
Abia followed in fifth with 45 medals made up of nine gold, 20 silver and 17 bronze.
Cross River secured sixth position, earning 38 medals, nine gold, seven silver and 22 bronze, while Ondo placed seventh with a haul of 34 medals, comprising seven gold, 13 silver and 14 bronze.
Rivers finished eighth with six gold, 16 silver and 24 bronze medals, totaling 46, and Imo rounded off the table in ninth place with five gold, eight silver and 18 bronze medals for an overall 31.
The week-long sporting spectacle attracted more than 3,000 athletes from the nine Niger Delta states.
The event, organized by Dunamis Icon Limited and sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), featured competition in 16 sports.
Beyond the medals, the Games served as a platform for nurturing young talent, fostering unity among states in the region, and promoting healthy rivalry through sportsmanship.
Reacting to the landmark victory, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Desmond Enabulele, described the triumph as a defining moment in the state’s sporting history.
He dedicated the success to Governor Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, praising their commitment to sports development.
According to him, the Governor’s clear vision, improved welfare for athletes and coaches, and strategic investment in facilities created the foundation for Edo’s success.
He noted that breaking a 24-year title drought was no accident but the result of careful planning, disciplined preparation and the determination of the athletes.
The chairman also applauded the athletes, coaches and technical crew for their unity and resilience throughout the competition, stating that their performance had restored pride to the state.
With the victory, Edo not only reclaimed regional glory but also sent a strong message about its renewed ambition in Nigerian sports.
