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Edo Wins 52 Gold Medals to Clinch Overall Title as NSC DG Closes 2026 Niger Delta Games

Published

5 days ago

February 27, 2026

Team Edo has been crowned overall champions of the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, following a dominant display on home soil in Benin City that saw the host state top the final medal table and end a 24-year wait for regional supremacy.

In a tightly contested championship that went down to the final day, Edo finished first with an impressive haul of 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze medals, accumulating a total of 111 medals to edge past Delta and Bayelsa States.

Delta State secured second position with 39 gold, 29 silver and 34 bronze medals (102 total), while defending champions Bayelsa settled for third with 25 gold, 24 silver and 26 bronze medals.

Akwa Ibom placed fourth with 16 gold medals among 55 total medals, Abia finished fifth with 45 medals, Cross River sixth with 38 medals, Ondo seventh with 34 medals, Rivers eighth with 44 medals but fewer gold, and Imo rounded off the standings in ninth place with 31 medals.

The victory represents a historic milestone for Edo, dethroning Bayelsa and reaffirming the state’s growing reputation as a powerhouse in Nigerian sports.

Reacting to the achievement, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, through his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, described the triumph as a defining moment in the state’s sporting history.

He dedicated the success to the Executive Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa.

“This victory belongs to His Excellency, our dynamic and sports-loving Governor,” Enabulele said. “From the very beginning, he made it clear that Edo would not only host but compete to win. He provided the vision, resources and enabling environment that empowered our athletes to perform at their very best.”

He attributed the success to deliberate investment in sports development, improved welfare for athletes and coaches, and strategic planning, noting that breaking a 24-year jinx was the result of intentional leadership, disciplined preparation and athlete resilience.

Enabulele also praised the athletes, coaches, technical crew and support staff for their unity and determination throughout the competition, describing the Games as both a sporting contest and a platform for youth engagement and regional unity.

“The Niger Delta Games have once again shown that sports remain a powerful tool for unity, peace and development. Edo will not rest on this achievement; we are committed to building sustainable structures for continued dominance,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, officially declared the Games closed at a colourful ceremony on Thursday evening in Benin City.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Olopade explained the broader value of sports beyond winning medals, describing the festival as a catalyst for youth empowerment, social integration and economic growth.

“Sports is not just about podium placement or winning,” he said.

“It is about community engagement, economic empowerment and the feel-good atmosphere that unites our people. All of these are fully entrenched in the Niger Delta Games.”

He assured that the Commission would continue to support the initiative, commending the organizers for their stance against age cheating and drug use, and calling on governors of the Niger Delta states to work closely with the Niger Delta Development Commission to ensure the sustainability of the Games.

Olopade noted that data from sporting events across the country show clear economic benefits, including job creation, support for small businesses and increased visibility for host cities.

“The true winners of these Games are the young people of the Niger Delta,” he concluded, as the curtain fell on what has been widely hailed as a successful and competitive second edition.

The 2026 Niger Delta Games featured over 3,000 athletes from the nine Niger Delta states competing in 17 sporting events, setting a new benchmark for regional sports festivals in Nigeria.

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FIFA Marks 100-Day Countdown to 2026 World Cup Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

Published

18 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Logan Mclaughlin

World football’s governing body, FIFA, on Tuesday officially marked 100 days to the kickoff of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as anticipation for the global showpiece continues to build despite escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East.

To commemorate the milestone, FIFA unveiled an official countdown poster and launched a 10-question interactive quiz aimed at engaging fans across the world as preparations intensify for the largest World Cup in history.

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The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, spanning 16 host cities across North America.

Biggest World Cup Ever
The 2026 edition will mark a historic expansion of the competition, with 48 teams taking part for the first time, up from the traditional 32.

A total of 104 matches will be played over 39 days, making it the most extensive World Cup ever staged.

The opening match is scheduled for June 11 at the iconic Estadio Azteca, with Mexico set to feature in the curtain-raiser.

The final will be held on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, located in the New York–New Jersey area.

Several nations, including Curaçao, Cape Verde, Jordan and Uzbekistan, are expected to make their FIFA World Cup debuts, highlighting the broader global representation brought about by the tournament’s expansion.

Preparations and Concerns

While excitement continues to grow, the countdown comes against the backdrop of heightened global security concerns, particularly ongoing conflicts in parts of the Middle East.

These developments have sparked discussions around travel logistics, safety of supporters, and participation of some national teams.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently toured host venues in Mexico and reiterated that preparations across all three host nations remain on track.

FIFA has maintained that it is working closely with local authorities and international partners to ensure safety, security and smooth operations throughout the tournament.

Ticket sales for the first phase have already commenced, with further ticketing windows expected to open after the conclusion of the final qualification playoffs later this month.

Despite the challenges, FIFA insists that the 2026 World Cup will deliver an unprecedented celebration of football, unity and global participation as the world counts down to kickoff.

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Akor Adams & Chidera Ejuke Shine as Sevilla FC Rally to Draw at Real Betis

Published

2 days ago

March 2, 2026

Kenny Malone

Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke were central figures as Sevilla produced a spirited comeback to secure a hard-earned away draw against city rivals Real Betis in La Liga.

Sevilla endured a difficult start and went two goals behind, but the Nigerian duo played key roles in shifting the momentum of the game.

Akor Adams completed the full 90 minutes and led the line with authority, creating two clear chances and constantly troubling the Betis backline with his movement and physical presence.

Chidera Ejuke added pace and directness from wide areas, repeatedly driving at defenders and helping stretch the hosts as Sevilla pushed forward in search of goals.

His energy and ball-carrying ability provided an outlet during Sevilla’s sustained second-half pressure.

The comeback was completed in the 85th minute when Isaac Romero scored the equaliser, finishing off a move assisted by Djibril Sow.

The late goal sealed a deserved point for Sevilla after a determined team display.

The performance of Adams and Ejuke stood out, underlining their growing influence within the Sevilla squad and their importance to the club’s attacking play.

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Iwobi on Fire Again, Bassey Solid as Fulham See Off Spurs

Published

2 days ago

March 2, 2026

Kenny Malone

Fulham FC claimed a big home win over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, with Nigerian duo Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey delivering standout performances. Samuel Chukwueze was introduced late for Spurs as the visitors failed to complete a comeback.

Fulham took the lead early after a VAR check confirmed Harry Wilson’s 9th-minute volley. The goal stood following a brief review, setting the tone for a strong opening from the hosts.

The home side doubled their advantage in the 34th minute when Wilson turned provider, teeing up Alex Iwobi, who rifled a superb right-footed strike from outside the box to beat the goalkeeper.

It was Iwobi’s second goal in as many games, underlining his growing influence in Fulham’s attack.

Tottenham responded in the 66th minute through Richarlison, who headed home from close range after an assist from Archie Gray, but it proved too little, too late.

At the back, Calvin Bassey put in a commanding defensive display, winning key duels and helping Fulham see out the result under late pressure. Samuel Chukwueze came on as a late substitute for Spurs but was unable to change the outcome.

The victory extends Fulham’s positive run at home and highlights another impactful outing from Nigeria’s Premier League contingent.

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