The battle for Niger Delta sports supremacy has been decided, and Bayelsa reigns supreme! In a thrilling display of athletic excellence, Team Bayelsa emerged champions of the first-ever Niger Delta Sports Festival, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Bayelsa edged out perennial rivals Delta State to claim victory, amassing an impressive 86 medals—42 gold, 29 silver, and 15 bronze—solidifying their dominance in grassroots sports. Despite securing 99 medals, Delta State settled for second place with 41 gold, 26 silver, and 32 bronze, while Edo State clinched third with 89 medals (23 gold, 35 silver, 31 bronze).
Final Medal Standings
| Rank | State | 🥇 Gold | 🥈 Silver | 🥉 Bronze | 🏆 Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1st | Bayelsa | 42 | 29 | 15 | 86 |
| 🥈 2nd | Delta | 41 | 26 | 32 | 99 |
| 🥉 3rd | Edo | 23 | 35 | 31 | 89 |
| 4th | Rivers | 21 | 16 | 26 | 63 |
| 5th | Ondo | 10 | 18 | 15 | 43 |
| 6th | Akwa Ibom | 9 | 14 | 14 | 37 |
| 7th | Abia | 9 | 10 | 13 | 32 |
| 8th | Imo | 6 | 12 | 24 | 42 |
| 9th | Cross River | 5 | 7 | 19 | 31 |
Bayelsa’s Unstoppable Momentum
An elated Sir Braveman Wodi, Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, expressed pride in his team’s triumph, stating that Bayelsa has finally stamped its authority in Niger Delta sports.
Sir Wodi extended his gratitude to Governor Senator Douye Diri, Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Commissioner for Sports Development Dr. Daniel Igali, and Permanent Secretary Mrs. Grace Alagoa for their unwavering commitment to sports development in the state.
Bayelsa’s victory serves as a statement of intent, proving their place as a force to be reckoned with in Nigeria’s grassroots sporting scene. As future competitions approach, the champions have set the benchmark for excellence across the Niger Delta region.
