Edo Triumphs as 2nd Niger Delta Games Conclude in Spectacular Fashion

On Thursday, Team Edo emerged as the overall champions of the second Niger Delta Games, marking a significant return to the top of the competitive sporting arena after a 24-year hiatus.

In a stunning turnaround, Edo's athletes showcased remarkable skill and consistency, dominating various events and finishing with a total of 111 medals: 52 gold, 34 silver, and 25 bronze. This impressive performance astounded sports enthusiasts who saw it as a major upset against expectations.

Delta State, previous runners-up, secured second place again with a total of 102 medals, comprising 39 gold, 29 silver, and 34 bronze.

Last edition's champions, Bayelsa, fell to a third-place finish, managing to collect 75 medals, which included 25 gold, 24 silver, and 26 bronze.

Akwa Ibom finished fourth with 55 medals (16 gold, 17 silver, and 22 bronze), followed by Abia in fifth place with 45 medals—comprised of nine gold, 20 silver, and 17 bronze. Other states fared as follows: Cross River in sixth with 38 medals, Ondo seventh with 34 medals, Rivers eighth with 46, and Imo ninth with 31 medals.

The week-long event saw participation from over 3,000 athletes from the nine Niger Delta states. Organised by Dunamis Icon Limited and funded by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Games comprised 16 sporting disciplines, promoting regional unity and discovering new talent.

In a celebratory gesture, Edo’s Sports Commission Chairman, Desmond Enabulele, praised the victory, claiming it as a monumental achievement for the state.

“This win belongs to our dynamic and sports-loving Governor,” Mr. Enabulele stated, acknowledging the governance and resources provided that enabled the athletes to excel. He attributed this breakthrough to strategic investments made in athletes’ welfare, training, and sports facilities.

He emphasized that ending a 24-year wait for a major win is a testament to deliberate planning and commitment by leadership. “This reflects not just coincidence, but responsible leadership and disciplined preparations,” he noted while thanking the athletes and technical teams for their unwavering spirit during the competition.

While Team Edo celebrated, Team Delta prevailed during the final relay events, grabbing victories in three out of four relay races. Delta’s female team won the 4x100m relay, finishing with a time of 46.20 seconds. The male counterparts of Delta also triumphed, clocking 40.55 seconds in their respective final.

In a thrilling women’s 4x400m, Delta overcame Akwa Ibom in the final stretch, finishing first with a time of 3:38.68 seconds.

However, Akwa Ibom claimed gold in the men’s 4x400m relay, limiting Delta's gold handover to just three.

Olympians like former basketball star Olumide Oyedeji and track icon Mary Onyali commended the event organisers for executing a world-class competition. They expressed hope that the games would continue nurturing inspiring talents from the Niger Delta region.

The conclusion of the Games was marked by a vibrant closing ceremony that celebrated sporting achievements alongside cultural expressions from the Niger Delta, setting the stage for future events filled with potential.