As the countdown to the 2026 Niger Delta Games begins, Team Delta has sent a clear message to their rivals: they are coming for the crown. The state is determined to avoid the late-stage heartbreak it suffered during the maiden edition in Uyo last year.
The Team Delta Niger Delta Games 2026 campaign is built on the foundation of redemption. After leading the medal table for most of the 2025 competition, Delta was overtaken by Bayelsa State on the final day, losing the title by a single gold medal.
The Lessons of Uyo 2025
At the conclusion of the Uyo games, the statistics told a bittersweet story for Delta State. Despite winning the highest total number of medals, they finished second in the official standings:
- Bayelsa State: 42 Gold, 29 Silver, 15 Bronze (1st Place)
- Team Delta: 41 Gold, 26 Silver, 32 Bronze (99 total medals)
- Team Edo: 23 Gold, 35 Silver, 31 Bronze (3rd Place)
Festus Ohwojero, the Executive Assistant on Sports to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, admitted that the loss of the title by such a narrow margin served as a wake-up call. “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,” he stated.
Focus on Benin City 2026
The second edition of the games will be hosted in Benin City, Edo State, from February 20 to 27, 2026. Organizers expect an even larger event this time, with over 3,000 U-20 athletes representing the nine Niger Delta states.
The competition will feature 17 different sports designed to discover and develop regional talent. Team Delta is already deep into its preparation phase, with Ohwojero emphasizing that the state is “doing everything to correct the mistakes noticed at Uyo 2025.”
Strategy and Expectations
Despite the high stakes, Team Delta officials insist there is no panic in the camp. Ohwojero, who previously served as the Director General of the Delta Sports Commission, noted that the athletes are not under undue pressure.
“I am sure they will get it right this time,” he said, expressing confidence in the state’s rigorous training programs and coaching staff. The goal for Team Delta Niger Delta Games 2026 is not just to win medals, but to secure enough gold to ensure they finish at the very top of the podium in Benin City.
Strengthening Regional Talent
The Niger Delta Games serve as a critical platform for talent discovery in Nigeria’s South-South region. By focusing on U-20 athletes, the tournament aims to feed the national teams with fresh prospects. With Delta and Bayelsa historically being the powerhouses of Nigerian sports, the upcoming battle in Benin City is expected to be a high-intensity showdown between two athletic giants.
