Team Edo delivered a commanding performance on home soil to emerge overall champions of the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, ending a 24-year wait for a major sporting honour in emphatic style.
In a result that surprised many observers, Edo dominated the week-long competition, finishing top of the medal table with an impressive haul of 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze medals — 111 medals in total.
Delta State secured second place, replicating their strong showing from the inaugural edition, with 39 gold, 29 silver and 34 bronze medals (102 overall), while Bayelsa settled for third with 25 gold, 24 silver and 26 bronze medals, totalling 75.
Akwa Ibom placed fourth with 55 medals (16 gold, 17 silver, 22 bronze), followed by Abia in fifth with 45 medals (9 gold, 20 silver, 17 bronze). Cross River finished sixth with 38 medals (9 gold, 7 silver, 22 bronze), while Ondo came seventh with 34 medals (7 gold, 13 silver, 14 bronze).
Rivers placed eighth with 46 medals (6 gold, 16 silver, 24 bronze), and Imo rounded off the table in ninth with 31 medals (5 gold, 8 silver, 18 bronze).
The competition brought together over 3,000 athletes from the nine Niger Delta states and featured 16 sporting events. It was organised by Dunamis Icon Limited and sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), serving as a platform for talent discovery, youth engagement, healthy rivalry and regional unity through sports.
Reacting to the historic triumph, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Desmond Enabulele, described the victory as a defining moment in the state’s sporting history.
“This victory belongs to His Excellency, our dynamic and sports-loving Governor,” Enabulele said, dedicating the achievement to Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa.
“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 stated.
Enabulele attributed the success to deliberate investment in sports development, improved welfare packages for athletes and coaches, and strategic support for training and facilities.
“Breaking a 24-year jinx is not a coincidence,” he added. “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 a dominant display at the Games.”
He further commended the athletes, coaches and technical crew for their discipline and determination throughout the 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 sends a clear message that Edo is back — stronger and better.”
With the landmark victory, Team Edo has not only reclaimed regional glory but also set a new benchmark in Niger Delta sports competition.
