𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗔 𝗚𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗦 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗦: 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗜𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗮! 𝗘𝗱𝗼 𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗪𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗢𝗻𝗱𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲.

𝗕𝗬 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗔 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘,

26𝘁𝗵 𝗙𝗲𝗯. 2026

It was a glorious and unforgettable finale in Benin City as Team Edo stormed to victory at the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, sealing their dominance in grand style at the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Thursday night.

Backed by a roaring home crowd, Team Edo delivered a masterclass performance, finishing atop the medals table with an astonishing 52 gold, 34 silver, and 25 bronze medals — a commanding lead that had already secured their championship status even before the final four relay races. It was a triumph built on consistency, resilience, and sheer athletic brilliance.

While Edo celebrated overall glory, Team Delta electrified the tracks in the relay events, dominating three out of four races. The second-place finishers claimed gold in the 4x100m (men and women) and the 4x400m women, ending the competition with an impressive 39 gold, 29 silver, and 35 bronze medals.

Defending champions Bayelsa fought gallantly to secure third place, finishing with 25 gold, 24 silver, and 26 bronze medals, proving once again their enduring sporting pedigree in the region.

Akwa Ibom, Abia, Cross River, Ondo, Rivers, and Imo followed in that order on the final medals table, each showcasing moments of brilliance and promise for future editions. Notably, Akwa Ibom clinched gold in the 4x400m men’s relay, adding sparkle to the closing day drama.

Beyond the medals and track heroics, the Games celebrated the rich heritage of the Niger Delta — and Ondo State rose magnificently to the occasion.

At the electrifying Cultural Expo Night, headlined by celebrated comedian Okey Bakkassi, Ondo State dazzled the audience with a breathtaking dance performance that blended tradition, rhythm, and storytelling. Their captivating display earned them first place in the cultural dance competition — and a ₦1 million prize.

In a remarkable show of support and admiration, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, who graced the occasion, doubled the prize money on the spot — turning victory into an even sweeter celebration for the Sunshine State.

Sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission and organized by Dunamis Icon Limited, the Niger Delta Games proved to be more than a sporting contest. It was a powerful display of unity, culture, youth empowerment, and regional pride.

As the curtains fall on this thrilling edition, one thing is clear: Edo reigns supreme in sport, Ondo reigns in culture, and the Niger Delta spirit burns brighter than ever.