In a triumphal exit, Team Bayelsa left Uyo, Akwa Ibom capital in a chauffeured-driven manner for Yenagoa, Bayelsa capital on Tuesday, April 8, after emerging as the overall champions of the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival.
In the sports festival held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, the Team shone like lightning across the 17 sports during the week-long event sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The sporting fiesta, which brought together athletes from the nine states of the Niger Delta region, showcased thrilling contests, raw talents, and exceptional competitiveness — but it was Team Bayelsa who stole the show with their dominance in medal haul.
At the end of the Games, Team Bayelsa topped the overall medals table with a total of 86 medals — comprising 42 gold, 29 silver, and 15 bronze — a performance that proved too strong for their closest rivals.
Related news
- Delta leads on Niger Delta Sports Festival Medal Table
- Maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival blazes Akwa Ibom landscape
- PSG Clinch 13th French Title After Epic Match with Angers
Bayelsa coasted home with N50 million star prize as the overall winner of the sporting competition.
Delta State, despite a spirited effort and finishing with the highest number of medals overall (99), settled for second place after recording 41 gold, 26 silver, and 32 bronze medals.
Edo State claimed the third position with a combined haul of 89 medals, which included 23 gold, 35 silver, and 31 bronze medals.
Rivers State finished fourth on the log with 21 gold, 16 silver, and 26 bronze medals, making a total of 63 medals.
Ondo State secured the fifth position with 10 gold, 18 silver, and 15 bronze medals to tally 43, while the host state, Akwa Ibom, managed a sixth-place finish with a medal haul of nine gold, 14 silver, and 14 bronze medals totaling 37 medals.
Abia State followed closely in seventh position with nine gold, 10 silver, and 13 bronze medals (32 in total), while Imo State placed eighth with six gold, 12 silver, and 24 bronze medals amounting to 42.
Cross River State, despite its gallant efforts, finished at the bottom of the medals table with five gold, seven silver, and 19 bronze medals, totaling 31.
The Co-Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Itiako Ikpokpo, revealed that over 60 promising athletes have been identified by scouts made up of coaches, ex-athletes, and talent spotters.
“This festival is not about who came first or who won gold,” Mr Ikpokpo said. “Our scouts are looking for potential—raw talent that can be groomed for the future. The real work begins after the festival: nurturing these talents with scientific, research-based training under certified coaches.”
The long-term plan includes periodical training camps for selected athletes, as part of a broader strategy to prepare the next generation of sports stars from the region.
This innovative approach underscores the true goal of the NDSF: using sports as a tool for youth development and regional empowerment.
The festival brought together around 3,000 athletes and over 500 officials across 17 sports. It kicked off on 1 April and ended on 8 April.
One of the festival’s standout athletes has been swimmer Oka Dorcas of Bayelsa, who dominated the pool by winning six gold medals in various individual and relay events.
Her incredible performance is symbolic of Bayelsa’s overall showing and speaks volumes about the state’s preparation.
With the closing ceremony just around the corner, eyes are now on which state will finish on top.
But perhaps more importantly, attention is also shifting toward how the talents unearthed in Uyo will be guided and supported to become Nigeria’s future champions.
Bayelsa Commissioner hails team
Bayelsa state Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Daniel Igali, hailed Team Bayelsa for their exceptional triumph at the inaugural Niger Delta Sports Festival, in which they emerged overall champions.
In a statement signed on behalf of the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, Igali lauded the team’s fierce determination and excellence, which led to an impressive haul of 86 medals — 42 gold, 29 silver, and 15 bronze.
“Our athletes ran, swam, wrestled, paddled, and fought their way into history,” Igali declared.
“From the thunder on the tracks to the brilliance on the mats and in the water, Bayelsa’s sons and daughters showcased the new, unstoppable spirit of our state — proud, prepared, and poised for greatness.
“On behalf of His Excellency Governor Douye Diri, I say welcome home, champions! Thank you for making Bayelsa the pride of the Niger Delta at this historic maiden edition of the festival. You stood tall at the centre of a region redefining its future — a future beyond oil, driven by talent, hard work, and excellence.”
“To the Director of Sports, Braveman Wodi, our dedicated coaches, technical staff, secretaries, media team, and every single athlete who gave their all — you have etched your names into gold. We celebrate you. You have made us proud,” he continued.
Igali, however, reminded the team to stay grounded and focused as the journey continues: “While we revel in this remarkable achievement, our eyes must now turn to the bigger challenge ahead — the National Sports Festival, Gateway 2025, in Ogun State. It’s time to rest, recover, and prepare to raise the bar once again.”
