February 27, (THEWILL) — Host state, Edo, has outshone eight other competing states to be crowned the overall champions of the 2nd Niger Delta Games. The victory marks a significant shift in regional sporting dominance, as the host team claimed the top spot on the podium.
The week-long competition featured over 3,000 athletes who competed across 16 different sporting events. The festival reached its climax with a vibrant closing ceremony held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
Edo State secured the title with an impressive haul of 111 medals, including 52 gold, 34 silver, and 25 bronze. They finished ahead of Delta State, which took second place with 102 medals (39 gold, 29 silver, and 34 bronze). The inaugural edition winners, Bayelsa State, finished third with a total of 75 medals, consisting of 25 gold, 24 silver, and 26 bronze.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, praised the initiative. He noted that the Niger Delta Games align perfectly with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of prioritising sports as a key pillar of national development.
The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, emphasised that the games serve as a vital platform for budding talents and young athletes to aspire toward sporting greatness.
Representing Governor Monday Okpebholo, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa reiterated the administration’s commitment to grassroots sports development. He highlighted that sports remain a powerful force for unity among the people of the region.
The Chairman of the Games’ Planning Committee, Alabo Boma Iyaye, encouraged participants to carry the spirit of the festival, characterised by fair play and excellence, back to their respective states and communities.
A major highlight of the final day was the relay races, where Team Delta showcased their sprinting prowess by winning three out of the four available gold medals, with Akwa Ibom claiming the fourth.
In the girls’ 4×100 relay, Delta took gold with a time of 46.20 seconds, narrowly beating Bayelsa (46.70s) and Edo (46.77s). Delta continued their dominance in the boys’ 4×100, clinching gold in 40.55 seconds, while Bayelsa earned silver (41.12s) and Rivers took bronze (41.26s).
Team Delta also secured gold in the girls’ 4×400 relay, clocking 3 minutes and 38.68 seconds to defeat Akwa Ibom (3:39.25) and Rivers (3:50.37). However, Akwa Ibom struck back in the boys’ 4×400, winning gold in 3 minutes and 14.87 seconds, ahead of Delta (3:15.26) and Bayelsa (3:15.86).
The closing ceremony concluded with a spectacular fireworks display and a showcase of the rich cultural heritage of Edo State and the Niger Delta people. The event was further energised by musical performances from popular artistes, including Rema.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
