Team Edo have been crowned champions of the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, bringing an end to a 24-year drought without a major tournament victory.
The triumph marks Edo State’s first major title since winning the 2002 National Sports Festival, which it hosted.
In a thrilling week-long competition, the Heartbeat State athletes finished top of the medal table with a commanding 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze medals — amassing a total of 111 medals. Their performance saw them edge past Delta and defending champions Bayelsa in a closely contested race that went down to the final day.
Edo’s dominance was evident across key events, with standout displays in weightlifting, athletics, boxing and swimming, where athletes consistently mounted the podium.
Delta State secured second place with 39 gold, 29 silver and 34 bronze medals, while Bayelsa dropped to third after recording 25 gold, 24 silver and 26 bronze medals.
Akwa Ibom finished fourth, followed by Abia, while Cross River, Ondo, Rivers and Imo rounded off the table in the regional sports fiesta, which featured over 3,000 athletes from nine states competing in 17 disciplines.
Speaking at the closing ceremony held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, attributed the victory to strategic planning, enhanced athlete welfare and a renewed winning mentality.
He praised the athletes for their resilience and unity, dedicating the achievement to Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing the needed support and resources.
Enabulele also commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and event organisers, Dunamis Icon Ltd, for successfully staging the Games in Edo State.
According to him, the victory signals a resurgence in Edo’s sporting fortunes, driven by grassroots development and talent discovery initiatives aimed at sustaining excellence in future competitions.
