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Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday, hosted members of Team Edo at the Government House, Benin City following their triumph at the second edition of the Niger Delta Games 2026, where the state emerged overall champions.
At a colorful reception held at the New Festival Hall, Government House, the governor received the champions trophy and commended the athletes, coaches and sports administrators for their discipline, resilience and determination, which enabled Edo State to finish at the top of the medal table of the regional sporting event sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Okpebholo said the victory further strengthened his administration’s resolve to discover, nurture and invest in young sporting talents, stressing that some athletes would be groomed to represent Nigeria in future international competitions, including the Olympic Games.
“Congratulations to my dear State, Edo State, for victory at the second Niger Delta Games hosted here in Edo. Some of our athletes will represent Nigeria at future Olympic Games,” the governor said.
He recalled that during the opening ceremony of the competition he had expressed confidence that Edo would not only host the tournament successfully but also become champion.
“At the opening ceremony of the Niger Delta Games Edo 2026, I said that Edo State does not just host but hosts to win. Today we have truly won, defeating other states,” he added.
Okpebholo reiterated his earlier promise to reward victorious athletes with ₦30 million, describing the achievement as a proud moment for the state.
“I promised you ₦30 million if you win, and today you kept your promise. We are celebrating because we hosted and won. You dominated the medal table and made Edo very proud,” he said.
The governor stressed that the state government will continue to invest strategically in the development of the sport, adding that the talents discovered during the games will be carefully nurtured to compete nationally and globally.
“Your talent is something we must harness, build and invest in so that Edo can produce champions who will represent Nigeria in global competitions,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo also commended the coaches for their contribution to the success of the team, describing them as the real heroes behind the medals won by the athletes.
“We want to thank our coaches for the excellent work they did. You are the real heroes of this victory because you helped train these athletes who won the medals,” he said.
He equally commended the leadership of the Edo State Sports Commission for their commitment and professionalism in preparing the team for the tournament.
“I also want to thank the Chairman of the Sports Commission. Your commitment shows that I have made the right decision in appointing you to lead sports development in Edo State,” the governor added.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, Hon Amadin Desmond Enabulele, said the victory was largely made possible by the governor’s proactive support and timely preparation for the competition.
According to him, the triumph represents Edo State’s first major multi-sports tournament victory in about 24 years, marking a significant turning point in the state’s sporting history.
“We are here today to present the champions trophy to the governor and thank him for giving us the opportunity to contribute our quota to the development of sports in Edo State,” Enabulele said.
He explained that early approval of the team’s budget allowed the athletes to start camping well before the competition, giving Team Edo the preparation needed to surpass other participating states.
“Early camping has made a huge difference. The governor has ensured that everything necessary for preparation and hospitality is made available, including the modernization of sports facilities. This investment is already showing results,” he added.
Enabulele revealed that Team Edo recorded outstanding performances in several sporting events, particularly in swimming and weightlifting, with the weightlifting team alone delivering 17 gold medals.
At the end of the competition, Edo State came first in the medal table with 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze medals, taking the state’s total to 111 medals and emerging overall champion ahead of eight other Niger Delta states participating in the Edo 2026 Niger Delta Games.
