Five days of intense and thrilling competition at the second edition of the Niger Delta Games ended in a colourful closing ceremony on Thursday, February 26, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

Host state Edo State finished top of the overall medals table for the first time in a long while at a national sporting fiesta, claiming 52 gold medals.

However, beyond the medal tally, the major talking point among delegates returning to their respective states was the impressive display in athletics, particularly on the final day of competition.

From the opening day when the 100 metres events were decided to the thrilling relay races that brought the curtain down on the Games, spectators were treated to electrifying performances—an outcome many attributed to the Niger Delta region’s long-standing reputation as a breeding ground for athletics talent.

Over the years, the region has produced some of Nigeria’s finest track and field athletes who have excelled at both local and international competitions.

Delta State dominated the athletics events in Benin City despite stiff competition from Edo State, Bayelsa State, Akwa Ibom State, and Cross River State.

Delta athletes secured 13 gold medals, mainly in the sprint and relay events. Edo State recorded strong performances in the field events, while Akwa Ibom and Cross River shared honours in the middle- and long-distance races.

Edo State athletics coach Mutiu Oluwa praised Delta State’s athletics structure.
“Nobody can take it away from Delta State in athletics. They have a very good system that produces quality athletes every year,” he said.
“If other states like Edo can replicate what they are doing, future Niger Delta Games will be even more competitive.”

Delta State further reinforced its dominance just before the closing ceremony by winning three of the four relay gold medals on offer.

However, Akwa Ibom State prevented a clean sweep by claiming victory in the men’s 4×400 metres relay.

Former Nigerian sprint champion Seun Ogunkoya described the competition as highly encouraging for the future of athletics in the country.
“The athletes gave everything they had because everyone wanted to make a statement. This is good for Nigerian athletics. Looking at the quality of the races and the talents on display, the competition was very encouraging,” he said.
“This is just the beginning, and with continued competitions like this, Nigeria can produce many top athletes in the near future.”

Several standout performers thrilled spectators throughout the Games.

Among them was Ejiro Peters, who claimed a sprint double in the women’s 100m and 200m and also helped secure gold in the women’s 4x100m relay.

Delta State’s Osama Chibueze mirrored that feat, winning the men’s 100m and 200m double as well as the 4x100m relay.

In the men’s 400 metres, David Udoh of Cross River upset Delta’s dominance, winning the race and contributing to Cross River’s victory in the men’s 4x400m relay.

Treasure Okereke earlier won the women’s 400m and also played a key role in Delta State’s triumph in the women’s 4x400m relay.

Akwa Ibom’s Hephzibah Okon impressed in the women’s 800 metres but missed out on a double when Godsmind Eteng of Cross River won the 1500 metres event.

In the men’s 1500 metres, Emmanuel Asuquo emerged victorious.

Edo State’s Treasure Omosivwe also stood out in the field events, winning gold in the women’s high jump after equalling her personal best of 1.75 metres.

Mrs Joyce Bozimo, organiser of the Warri Effurun Peace Marathon, said the performances demonstrated the region’s immense athletic potential.
“What we have seen at the Niger Delta Games is quite encouraging. Nigeria, especially the Niger Delta region, is blessed with athletics talents,” she said.
“Our hope is that there will be proper follow-up on these athletes. A training camp system like the one we used to have in Afuze could help train, mentor and prepare them to become world champions.”

Chairman of the organising committee, Itiako Ikpokpo, worked closely with the technical committee led by Enefiok Udo-Obong to ensure smooth coordination of the athletics events.

Ikpokpo revealed that the Games’ Scouting and Mentorship Committee had monitored performances across venues and would soon recommend the next steps for athlete development.
“All said, Dunamis-Icon Limited and the Niger Delta Development Commission do not own these athletes and we do not intend to,” Ikpokpo said during a media conference before the Games closed.
“We have only provided a platform for them to showcase their talents. It is now the responsibility of the states and federal institutions to nurture them into national and international champions.”

The Niger Delta Development Commission sponsored the Games, while proprietary rights are held by Dunamis-Icon Limited.