UYO, Nigeria – At the just-concluded 2025 Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo, Bayelsa State’s handball teams delivered a spectacle of sheer determination, discipline, and heart. The Bayelsa women’s team blazed to gold, defeating top contenders with flawless flair, while the men’s team earned a valiant silver, narrowly missing out on the top spot in an epic final.
👑 Bayelsa Women Claim Handball Throne in Style
Grouped alongside Delta, Imo, and Akwa Ibom in Group A, Bayelsa’s women wasted no time announcing their championship intentions. Their performance was a masterclass in teamwork and clinical execution.
💥 Group Stage Dominance:
- Bayelsa 14 – 6 Imo
- Bayelsa 17 – 4 Akwa Ibom
- Bayelsa 11 – 9 Delta
Their undefeated run continued in the semifinals, where they overwhelmed Abia with a 20–11 win. The grand finale was a rematch against fierce rivals Delta, and Bayelsa rose to the occasion.
🏆 Final (Women’s Handball):
- Bayelsa 14 – 13 Delta
It was a breathtaking contest. With the scoreline neck and neck in the dying minutes, Bayelsa’s defense held firm as their final goal sealed a historic gold. Cheers erupted as the golden queens of Bayelsa celebrated victory on the Uyo court.
🥈 Bayelsa Men Fight Bravely to a Silver Finish
In Group B, the Bayelsa men showcased athleticism and mental steel, advancing unbeaten through the group stages:
💪 Group Stage Results:
- Bayelsa 17 – 13 Ondo
- Bayelsa 16 – 13 Rivers
- Bayelsa 13 – 11 Akwa Ibom
- Bayelsa 15 – 15 Imo
With momentum on their side, Bayelsa surged into the semifinals, dismantling Edo with a commanding 24–17 victory. All eyes turned to the final clash against Delta.
⚔️ Final (Men’s Handball):
- Bayelsa 19 – 20 Delta
It was a final worthy of champions. A nail-biting encounter that went down to the wire saw Bayelsa fall short by a single point. Though the gold eluded them, their silver shimmered with honor and pride.
🥇🥈 Bayelsa Handball Medal Summary
| Category | Medal |
|---|---|
| Women’s Team | 🥇 Gold Champions |
| Men’s Team | 🥈 Silver Medalists |
🗣️ From the Court:
“We worked for this. Every training, every drop of sweat was worth it. This gold belongs to Bayelsa,” said the women’s team coach after the win.
📣 Bayelsa’s Statement of Intent
In Uyo, Bayelsa didn’t just play handball—they delivered a statement. With one gold and one silver, the state has cemented itself as a rising handball powerhouse in the Niger Delta and beyond. The 2025 edition will be remembered not just for the scores, but for the spirit, courage, and golden legacy of Bayelsa’s handball warriors.
