Niger Delta Games Gov. Okpebholo Rewards Edo Athletes, Coaches with N30 Million

ByAmaechi Agbo

Governor Monday Okpebholo on Tuesday hosted triumphant athletes of Team Edo at the Government House in Benin City following their dominant performance at the Niger Delta Games Edo 2026, where the state emerged overall champions.
At a colourful reception held at the New Festival Hall, the governor received the champions’ trophy and applauded the athletes, coaches and officials for their determination and discipline that powered Edo to the top of the medals table at the regional tournament organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission.
Okpebholo said the victory has strengthened his administration’s commitment to talent discovery and sports development, adding that some of the athletes would be groomed to represent Nigeria at future global competitions, including the Olympic Games.
The governor also reaffirmed his earlier pledge of a ₦30 million reward for the victorious team, describing the achievement as a proud moment for the state.
“I said during the opening ceremony that Edo was not just hosting the games but hosting to win. Today, we have proven it. You have made Edo proud,” he told the athletes.
Okpebholo praised the coaches for their role in the team’s success, calling them the “real heroes” behind the medals haul, and commended the leadership of the Edo State Sports Commission for its professionalism in preparing the team for the competition.
Earlier, Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Desmond Enabulele, credited the success to the governor’s proactive support and early preparation, noting that the triumph marked Edo’s first major multi-sport tournament victory in about 24 years.
Enabulele said early approval of the team’s budget allowed athletes to begin camping well ahead of the games, while upgraded facilities also boosted performance.
Team Edo dominated several events, particularly swimming and weightlifting, with the weightlifting squad alone contributing 17 gold medals.
At the end of the competition, Edo finished top of the medals table with 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze medals, amassing 111 medals to seal overall victory ahead of eight other participating states at the Niger Delta Games Edo 2026.