Team Bayelsa has emerged champions of the first-ever Niger Delta Sports Festival, overcoming arch-rivals Delta State in a thrilling competition hosted in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Bayelsa clinched victory with an impressive tally of 86 medals, including 42 gold, 29 silver, and 15 bronze. Despite securing 99 medals, Delta State finished second with 41 gold, 26 silver, and 32 bronze, while Edo State took third place with 89 medals (23 gold, 35 silver, 31 bronze).
Final Medal Standings
| Rank | State | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 1st | Bayelsa | 42 | 29 | 15 | 86 |
| 🥈 2nd | Delta | 41 | 26 | 32 | 99 |
| 🥉 3rd | Edo | 23 | 35 | 31 | 89 |
| 4th | Rivers | 21 | 16 | 26 | 63 |
| 5th | Ondo | 10 | 18 | 15 | 43 |
| 6th | Akwa Ibom | 9 | 14 | 14 | 37 |
| 7th | Abia | 9 | 10 | 13 | 32 |
| 8th | Imo | 6 | 12 | 24 | 42 |
| 9th | Cross River | 5 | 7 | 19 | 31 |
Bayelsa Celebrates Historic Victory
An elated Director of Sports, Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi, praised the team’s outstanding performance, expressing pride in their dominance in Niger Delta sports.
Sir Wodi extended heartfelt appreciation to Governor Senator Douye Diri, Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Commissioner for Sports Development Dr. Daniel Igali, and Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Grace Alagoa, for their unwavering support of sports development in the state.
Bayelsa’s triumph cements its position as a powerhouse in grassroots sports, setting a strong precedent for future competitions in the Niger Delta region.
