UYO, Nigeria – The 2025 Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo was a spectacular celebration of sporting excellence, and when it came to handball, Team Bayelsa delivered a tournament to remember. With lightning-fast passes, heart-pounding finishes, and unbreakable spirit, the male squad gallantly fought their way to silver, while the women’s team etched their names in history with a gold medal triumph, toppling regional giants with sheer grit.
Men’s Handball: Bayelsa Battles to Silver in a Nail-Biting Final
Grouped in Group B alongside Imo, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, and Rivers, Bayelsa’s men’s team charged into the tournament with unwavering focus.
Group Stage Results:
- Bayelsa 17 – 13 Ondo
- Bayelsa 16 – 13 Rivers
- Bayelsa 13 – 11 Akwa Ibom
- Bayelsa 15 – 15 Imo (An intense draw that tested Bayelsa’s resolve)
Topping the group with unbeaten flair, Bayelsa stormed into the semifinals, where they faced Edo State. In a thrilling showcase of coordination and speed, Bayelsa dismantled Edo with a convincing 24–17 victory.
Grand Finale (Men’s Handball):
- Bayelsa 19 – 20 Delta
The final was a heart-stopper. Bayelsa led in the first half, but Delta clawed back with strategic substitutions and late goals, narrowly snatching the gold by a single point. Still, Bayelsa’s silver shone bright—earned through resilience, teamwork, and a fighting spirit that won over the crowd.
Women’s Handball: Bayelsa Claims Gold in Commanding Fashion
In Group A with Delta, Akwa Ibom, and Imo, Bayelsa’s women’s team quickly emerged as the team to beat. They showed no mercy, defeating all challengers with impressive margins.
Group Stage Results:
- Bayelsa 14 – 6 Imo
- Bayelsa 17 – 4 Akwa Ibom
- Bayelsa 11 – 9 Delta (A key win that foreshadowed the finals)
Semifinal:
- Bayelsa 20 – 11 Abia
Grand Finale (Women’s Handball):
- Bayelsa 14 – 13 Delta
The final was a dramatic rematch against Delta. In a tightly contested encounter, Bayelsa’s women dug deep, holding on for a glorious 14–13 victory to claim gold. Their composure under pressure and relentless offensive tactics made them deserved champions.
Final Medal Haul for Bayelsa Handball:
- Men’s Team: 🥈 Silver Medalists
- Women’s Team: 🥇 Gold Medalists
Quote from the Court:
“We didn’t just come to compete, we came to conquer,” said Bayelsa’s women’s captain, moments after lifting the trophy. “This gold is for our people, our coaches, and the state that believes in us.”
