Team Edo has been crowned overall champions of the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, delivering a commanding performance on home soil in Benin City and ending a 24-year wait for a major regional title.
The hosts topped the medal table with an impressive haul of 52 gold, 34 silver, and 25 bronze medals, for a grand total of 111 medals. This dominant display saw Edo outperform strong contenders across 16 sporting disciplines, showcasing depth and excellence throughout the week-long competition.
Delta State, runners-up in the inaugural edition, secured second place once again with 39 gold, 29 silver, and 34 bronze medals (total: 102). Bayelsa State, the defending champions from the first edition, finished third with 25 gold, 24 silver, and 26 bronze medals (total: 75).
Further down the standings:
Akwa Ibom placed fourth with 16 gold, 17 silver, and 22 bronze (total: 55).
Abia took fifth with 9 gold, 20 silver, and 17 bronze (total: 45).
Cross River finished sixth with 9 gold, 7 silver, and 22 bronze (total: 38).
Ondo came seventh with 7 gold, 13 silver, and 14 bronze (total: 34).
Rivers placed eighth with 6 gold, 16 silver, and 24 bronze (total: 46).
Imo rounded out the nine participating states in ninth position with 5 gold, 8 silver, and 18 bronze (total: 31).
The event, which featured over 3,000 athletes from the nine Niger Delta states, was organized by Dunamis Icon Limited and sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). It served as a vital platform for talent discovery, youth development, healthy rivalry, and fostering regional unity through sports.
Reacting to the landmark triumph, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, hailed it as a defining moment in the state’s sporting history. He dedicated the success to Governor Monday Okpebholo and Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, crediting their unwavering support and vision for the victory.
“This win belongs to His Excellency, our sports-loving Governor,” Enabulele said. “From the outset, he insisted that Edo would not only host but win. He provided the vision, resources, and environment that allowed our athletes to excel.”
Enabulele highlighted the Governor’s investments in athlete welfare, coaching, training programs, and facilities as key factors in breaking the long-standing jinx. “This is no accident—it’s the result of purposeful leadership, meticulous preparation, and the grit of our athletes. The Governor’s belief in empowering youth through sports has today borne fruit in this commanding performance.”
He also praised the athletes, coaches, and support staff for their discipline, focus, and unity. “Our team carried Edo’s pride with courage and delivered beyond expectations. This victory sends a clear message: Edo is back—stronger, bolder, and ready to compete at the highest levels.”
With this emphatic win, Team Edo has not only reclaimed regional supremacy but also set a new benchmark for excellence in Niger Delta sports competition.
