By Edward Oseghe
Celebrations continue to trail Team Edo’s historic triumph at the 2nd Niger Delta Games as Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, prepares to host the victorious contingent at a grand reception in Government House, Benin City.
According to a correspondence from Government House, the reception for the champions will hold on Tuesday, March 11, 2026, at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, beginning from 12 noon.
The Edo State contingent, led by the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, alongside athletes, coaches and other sports stakeholders, are expected to arrive at the venue one hour before the commencement of the ceremony.
Confirming the reception, Enabulele disclosed that Governor Okpebholo has graciously invited the victorious athletes and officials in recognition of their outstanding performance at the regional sporting fiesta. He added that the Bendel Insurance FC Supporters Club, led by Chief Osadolor Ogiefa, has also been invited to join in celebrating the athletes’ remarkable achievement.
Enabulele expressed deep appreciation to the governor for the opportunity given to him and members of the Sports Commission board to serve the state.
He noted that the planned reception by the state government is not only a celebration of the athletes’ success but also a significant motivation for Team Edo to sustain the winning momentum in future competitions, particularly at the National Sports Festival.
Governor Okpebholo had earlier commended Team Edo during the closing ceremony of the Games through his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, after the state emerged overall champions of the 2nd Niger Delta Games tagged “Edo 2026.”
Receiving the overall winners’ trophy on behalf of the governor at the closing ceremony held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Thursday, February 26, 2026, the deputy governor praised the athletes for making the government and people of Edo State proud with their exceptional performances.
Team Edo dominated the medal table with an impressive 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze medals, bringing their total haul to 111 medals. The outstanding performance saw Edo surge past traditional powerhouses Delta State and defending champions Bayelsa State in the fiercely contested week-long tournament.
The victory is particularly significant as it ended Edo’s 24-year wait for a major multi-sport tournament title, marking the state’s first major triumph since hosting and winning the 2002 National Sports Festival.
More than 3,000 athletes from nine Niger Delta states competed in 17 sporting events, with Team Edo delivering standout performances in weightlifting, athletics, boxing, wrestling, Scrabble and swimming, sealing a memorable championship victory on home soil.
