Bayelsa crowned champions of inaugural Niger Delta sports festival

Bayelsa State has claimed top honors at the first-ever Niger Delta Sports Festival, held in Uyo, after finishing at the summit of the medals table with an impressive haul of 42 gold, 29 silver, and 15 bronze medals.

In a fiercely contested competition, Delta State came a close second, securing 41 gold, 26 silver, and 32 bronze medals. Edo State finished third with 23 gold, 35 silver, and 31 bronze medals.

Other states in the region—Rivers, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Imo, and Cross River—rounded out the overall standings in that order.

The week-long festival featured over 3,000 athletes competing across 17 sporting events, showcasing the vibrant athletic talent of the Niger Delta region.

Notably, more than 60 promising young athletes were discovered during the competition, highlighting the festival’s role in talent development and youth empowerment.