Okpebholo to host victorious Team Edo after Niger Delta Games triumph

By Maxwell Kumoye 

 

 

Celebrations are set to continue in Edo State as Governor Monday Okpebholo prepares to host the victorious Team Edo following their historic success at the second edition of the Niger Delta Games.

According to a correspondence from Government House in Benin City, the state’s athletes will be honoured at a grand reception scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, 2026, at the new Festival Hall inside Government House, starting from 12 noon. 

The Edo contingent will attend the event alongside sports stakeholders and supporters who are expected to arrive at the venue an hour earlier.

Team Edo stormed to overall victory at the regional multi-sport event, topping the medal table with an impressive haul of 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze medals for a total of 111 medals. 

The dominant performance saw the hosts finish ahead of traditional powerhouses Delta State and defending champions Bayelsa State in a keenly contested week-long competition.

Confirming the reception, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Honourable Amadin Desmond Enabulele, said Governor Okpebholo had graciously invited the triumphant athletes and officials to Government House to celebrate their achievement. 

He added that the Bendel Insurance FC Supporters Club, led by Chief Osadolor Ogiefa, has also been invited to join in the celebrations.

Enabulele expressed gratitude to the governor for the confidence reposed in the sports commission, noting that the gesture would serve as strong motivation for athletes and administrators to strive for even greater success at future national competitions.

Governor Okpebholo had earlier commended Team Edo during the closing ceremony of the Games through his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, who represented him at the event held at the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

Receiving the overall winners’ trophy on behalf of the governor, Idahosa praised the athletes for making the government and people of Edo proud.

The triumph marked Edo State’s first major multi-sport tournament victory in 24 years, ending a long wait since the state hosted and won the National Sports Festival in 2002.

More than 3,000 athletes from nine states competed in 17 sports at the second Niger Delta Games, tagged “Edo 2026,” with Team Edo delivering standout performances in weightlifting, athletics, boxing, wrestling, Scrabble and swimming to seal a memorable title run.