By Idahosa Moses
Team Edo on Thursday etched their name in regional sports history after being crowned overall champions of the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, following a thrilling week of high-intensity competition in Benin.
Competing before a roaring home crowd, Edo athletes delivered standout performances across several events, pushing the title race to the final day before surging clear of traditional powerhouses Delta and Bayelsa.
The hosts topped the medal table with an impressive 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze medals, finishing with a total of 111 medals and ending a 24-year wait for regional supremacy.
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Edo’s charge was built on dominance in track and field, combat sports and team events, where consistency and tactical discipline repeatedly earned them podium finishes at crucial moments.
Delta State mounted a strong challenge, finishing second with 39 gold, 29 silver and 34 bronze medals, while defending champions Bayelsa settled for third after collecting 25 gold, 24 silver and 26 bronze medals.
Akwa Ibom placed fourth on the table, followed by Abia, as Cross River, Ondo, Rivers and Imo completed the standings in a fiercely competitive festival that rewarded depth and preparation.
Reacting to the triumph, Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, described the victory as a product of focused preparation, improved athlete welfare and unwavering belief in winning on home soil.
He praised Edo athletes for their courage, unity and fighting spirit, noting that several gold medals were secured through late surges and dramatic finishes that showcased mental strength under pressure.
The week-long Games featured over 3,000 athletes from nine states competing in 17 sports, with fans treated to tightly contested finals and emerging talents announcing themselves on the regional stage.
Sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission, the championship ended with Team Edo not only lifting the overall title but also setting a new standard for excellence and ambition in Niger Delta sports.
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