Sports commission boss hails Team Edo’s triumph at Niger Delta Games

… says victory ends 24-year jinx, signals new era for Edo sports

By Idahosa Moses

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has described Team Edo’s emergence as overall champions of the recently concluded second edition of the Niger Delta Games as a defining moment in the sporting history of the state.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Benin, Hon. Enabulele said the victory, achieved on home soil after 24 years of waiting, was a product of sacrifice, discipline, unity and purposeful leadership.

He stressed that the success marked the beginning of a new era for sports development in Edo State.

Team Edo topped the medals table with an outstanding haul of 111 medals, comprising 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze, to finish ahead of strong regional rivals and delight thousands of supporters in Benin.

According to Enabulele, the historic feat was deliberately planned and executed, as the state government was determined not only to host the Games but also to emerge as champions.

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He dedicated the triumph to the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, whom he described as visionary and sports-loving leaders.

“From day one, His Excellency made it clear that Edo would not merely host the Niger Delta Games; we would host and win.

“He provided the leadership, support and enabling environment that empowered our athletes and coaches to prepare adequately and compete with confidence,” Enabulele said.

He noted that improved welfare packages for athletes, strategic investment in sporting facilities and a deliberate focus on youth development through sports laid the solid foundation for the victory.

“Breaking a 24-year jinx is not accidental. It is the product of intentional leadership and collective commitment.

“The belief in sports as a tool for transforming lives has today translated into gold medals, statewide pride and renewed hope for our young people,” he added.

The Edo sports boss praised the athletes for their courage, unity and resilience, describing them as true ambassadors of the state who carried the hopes of millions and delivered beyond expectations.

He also commended the coaches, technical crew and support staff for their behind-the-scenes dedication, discipline and strategic planning, which, he said, kept Team Edo focused throughout the competition.

Enabulele further described the Games as more than a contest for medals, noting that it fostered unity among the nine Niger Delta states and featured over 3,000 athletes competing across 17 sports.

He also lauded the Niger Delta Development Commission for sponsoring and supporting the Games, which he said reinforced sports as a vehicle for peace, development and youth empowerment.

In the fiercely contested medal race, Delta State finished second, while Bayelsa State placed third.

While celebrating the success, Enabulele stressed that Edo would not rest on its laurels.