By; Sunny Canto
The grand finale of the Niger Delta Sport Festival, 2026 second edition held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City; Nigeria did bring a lot of memories.
With so much synergy from teams, grit shown by Three Thousand plus athletes across the Nine Oil Producing State in the region, including crowded fans cheering, buzzing music, rich cultural displays and warm smiles from athletes; Olympians; VIPs; NDDC contingents during the Match Past as well as colourful Band performance.
According to Dr. Samuel Ogbuku (MD/CEO) while delivering his speech, “I am delighted, elated to be part of this historical moment and amazing initiatives” he said.
Ogbuku add, “It is a memorable and emotional finale, a fitting celebration of unity, talent and sportsmanship in the Niger Delta region. He urge athletes to remain resilient, sharpen their skills and strenthen the God-given talents in them for future and global recognition” Furthermore, Its rise, play, unit but transforming the region through sporting activities, empowering the youths and reduce umemployment is their target as he commended the Edo governmennt for hosting a memorable event”
However, the overall winners are the host team Edo with 52 gold, 34 silver, and 25 bronze medals, totaling 111 medals while Delta State place 2nd with 39 Gold, 29 Silver, 34 Bronze total 102 total as Winners of the first edition of the Games in Uyo, last year, Bayelsa are in 3rd position with 25 Gold, 24 Silver, 26 Bronze amassing 101 medals.
Akwa Ibom, Abia, Cross River, Ondo, Rivers, and Imo State finished 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th, respectively.
While team Ondo dominated the Football events, team Delta proved supremacy in the Track and Field events as team Edo standout in Swimming, team Akwa Ibom shine in Weightlifting, team Bayelsa won almost all the medals at Taekwondo.
The Games, sponsored by Niger Delta Development Commission and organised by Dunamis Icon Limited, were not all about sports.
At a Cultural Expo Night headline by Okey Bakkassi, Ondo State won the dancing competition for a prize money of N1m which was doubled by the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, who was present at the event.
Chairman of the Edo State Sports Council, Amadin Enabulele, commended his team for the win and praised Governor Monday Okpebholo for backing the team.
He said, “This is a good feat for our team, and I must commend the athletes for finishing tops. This is a good moment for the state, and I must also ascribe this feat to Governor Monday Okpebholo for the support he gave to the team.”
Gracing the closing ceremony occasion is honorable Dennis Idahosa, representing the Executive Governor; NDDC officials including their Chairman honorable Boma Iyaye, VIPs among others.
