Team Delta has declared its intention to rectify the errors that cost it the championship title during the inaugural Niger Delta Games, setting its sights on victory at the second edition scheduled for Benin City, Edo State, in February 2026.
Learning from a Narrow Defeat in Uyo
The determination stems from a heartbreaking finish at the maiden edition held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in 2025. Team Delta was leading the medal table until the final day, only for Bayelsa State to stage a dramatic comeback and snatch the title by the slimmest of margins.
Delta State had amassed a total of 99 medals, comprising 41 gold, 26 silver, and 32 bronze medals. However, Bayelsa's final surge saw them top the table with 42 gold, 29 silver, and 15 bronze medals, winning by a single gold medal. Team Edo secured third place with 23 gold, 35 silver, and 31 bronze medals.
Preparations Intensify for Benin City 2026
With the next edition of the Games set to take place in Benin City from February 20 to 27, 2026, Team Delta officials and athletes are channeling their focus into rigorous preparation. The event, which gathers budding U-20 athletes from the nine Niger Delta states, is expected to be larger, featuring over 3,000 competitors across 17 different sports.
Festus Ohwojero, the Executive Assistant on Sports to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and immediate past Director General of the Delta Sports Commission, articulated the team's resolve. "We lost the title last year in Uyo by one gold medal, and our athletes and coaches are working hard to ensure such does not happen again as we prepare for Benin City 2026," he stated.
A Confident Outlook Without Pressure
Ohwojero emphasized that the team is approaching the upcoming competition with focus rather than pressure. He expressed strong confidence in the contingent's ability to learn from past experiences and deliver a winning performance. "I am sure they will get it right this time," he affirmed, highlighting the comprehensive efforts underway to address the shortcomings observed in Uyo.
The organisers have promised that the 2026 Games in Benin City will be an even grander spectacle, aimed at discovering and developing regional athletic talent, and are confident it will surpass the success of the Uyo 2025 event.
