BY KEHINDE OSAGIEDE
Celebration continues in the camp of Team Edo as plans have been concluded for the Edo state Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo to accord the champions of the second Niger Delta Games a grand reception.
According to the correspondence from Government House in Benin, the grand reception for the victorious team led by their Executive Chairman Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele,is scheduled for Tuesday, March 11,2026, beginning from 12 noon inside the new Festival Hall, Government House, Benin city.
The entire Edo contingent and sports stakeholders invited are expected to be at the venue an hour before 12pm.
Confirming the state government’s reception for the team, the Sports Commission chairman said that the state Governor has graciously invited the victorious team for reception, adding that he has extended invitation to Bendel Insurance FC Supporters Club led by Chief Osadolor Ogiefa to be in the train of celebration.
He expressed gratitude to the governor of the state for the opportunity given him and his board to serve. According to Enabulele, the state government’s reception fo Team Edo in appreciation for emerging champions at the just concluded second Niger Delta Games,is a huge motivation and encouragement for them to do more for Edo State in the subsequent national sports fiesta.
Governor Okpebholo,during the closing ceremony of the games through his deputy,Rt Hon Dennis Idahosa commended Team Edo after the state was crowned overall champions of the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, tagged ‘Edo 2026′.
Receiving the overall winners’ trophy on behalf of Governor Okpebholo at the closing ceremony at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Thursday, February. 26,2026,the Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, commended the athletes for making the government and people of the state proud.
Edo topped the medal table with an impressive haul of 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze medals, amassing a total of 111 medals to surge past traditional powerhouses, Delta and defending champions Bayelsa in a keenly contested week-long regional fiesta,ending a 24-year wait for a major multi-sport tournament title.
The triumph marks Edo’s first major tournament victory since hosting and winning the 2002 National Sports Festival, breaking a title drought that had lingered for over two decades.
Over 3,000 athletes from nine states competed in 17 sports at the second Niger Delta Games, with Edo delivering standout performances in weightlifting, athletics, boxing,, wrestling, Scrabble and swimming.
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