Host state Edo set the tone for the second edition of the Niger Delta Games with a commanding display in men’s football, as the regional sports fiesta officially commenced on Friday in Benin City.
Football action kicked off earlier in the day at the Crescent Sports Event Centre, off Airport Road, where Team Edo delivered a ruthless performance to thrash Akwa Ibom 6–0. The hosts dominated proceedings from the blast of the whistle, racing into a three-goal lead in quick succession, with one effort ruled out for offside, before sustaining the pressure in the second half to complete a comprehensive victory that sent a strong signal to other contenders.
In another men’s football encounter at the same venue, Team Bayelsa showed remarkable resilience, coming from a goal down to hold Team Imo to a 2–2 draw despite playing without a reserve bench. Team Delta also impressed with their fighting spirit, recovering from an early setback to force defending champions Bayelsa to a 1–1 draw in a keenly contested clash.
Later in the evening, the Games were formally declared open at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, as a colourful opening ceremony lit up the Edo State capital. The stadium came alive with pomp and pageantry as athletes from the nine participating Niger Delta states filed past in a ceremonial march past, showcasing unity and regional pride.
President Bola Tinubu, who declared the Games open, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to sports development as a critical component of the Renewed Hope Agenda. Represented by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan-Enoh, the President commended the organisers for providing a platform capable of discovering and nurturing young talents across the Niger Delta.
He described the Games as symbolic of the region’s transition from a past marked by unrest to an era of peace, security and sustainable development, while acknowledging the Niger Delta’s vital contributions to national growth.
Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, noted that sports remain a powerful tool for fostering regional integration, healthy competition and national cohesion. Similarly, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogboku, explained that the competition is targeted at amateur athletes, with the aim of grooming them for future stardom.
Host Governor, Monday Okpebholo, praised the NDDC for leveraging sports as an instrument of youth empowerment, unity and lasting peace in the region.
The opening ceremony was spiced with fireworks, calisthenics displays and captivating performances reflecting the rich Bini and broader Niger Delta cultural heritage, while the police band thrilled the crowd with musical renditions.
Over 3,000 athletes and officials are competing in 16 sporting events at the Games. Defending champions, Team Bayelsa, are participating with a strong contingent of 270 athletes and 46 coaches, led by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Daniel Igali, and the Director of the State Sports Council, Andrew Aye.
With thrilling football action already grabbing headlines, the Niger Delta Games have begun on an exciting note, promising intense competition and talent discovery in the days ahead.
