The second Niger Delta Games may have come and gone, but Team Edo athletes and officials have continued to reap the benefits of their impressive performance, having emerged overall champions as the host state’s contingent.
On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, accorded the victorious Team Edo a grand reception in recognition of their outstanding outing and the sacrifices made by the athletes to bring honour to the state. The triumph ended a long wait for the Heartbeat State, which had not clinched such a title for about 24 years despite the huge resources successive administrations have committed to sports development.
One of the most touching moments of the reception was when the governor showed compassion towards Team Edo’s youngest athlete, Esohe Mfon Shadrach, who won a bronze medal in the chess event at the competition. In his usual benevolent manner, the governor singled out the young athlete for special recognition, presenting her with a souvenir and a cash donation of N1 million to support her budding career and assist her family.
As the reception drew to a close, Governor Okpebholo noticed the 10-year-old chess player during the group photograph session and was visibly moved.
“Chairman, how did you come about having a child like this on your team, and she is even among the medalists? Chairman, bring the little girl to my office along with the coaches who are the real heroes. I have a gift for her,” the governor directed the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission.
On arriving at the governor’s office, it was a pleasant surprise for the Sports Commission chairman and other officials present when the governor, through his Chief Protocol Officer, presented the souvenir and the N1 million gift to little Esohe. He also rewarded Team Edo coaches with a separate sum of N5 million in appreciation of their dedication and hard work.
Earlier, the state sports contingent, led by the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, had been warmly received by the governor following their historic triumph at the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, tagged Edo 2026.
It was an inspiring moment as the governor took time to personally celebrate the athletes whose commitment and resilience brought honour to the state by finishing as the best team at the regional sporting fiesta.
The thoughtful gesture, observers noted, once again demonstrated Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of sporting champions in Edo State.
The Executive Chairman, Hon. Enabulele, formally presented the N1 million cash reward to Esohe on Wednesday in his office, with the young athlete’s parents present, as directed by the governor. The gesture, many believe, will inspire the young chess prodigy to achieve even greater feats in the future. Her parents expressed profound gratitude to the governor and the Edo State Sports Commission for the encouragement and support.
Speaking during the brief ceremony, Enabulele said:
“On behalf of the Edo State Sports Commission and the entire Team Edo family, I sincerely appreciate His Excellency for this remarkable show of love and encouragement. This will only spur us to do more for the state.
“Moments like this will continue to motivate our young athletes to strive for excellence while proudly representing our great state.
Indeed, with this level of support and reward system, Edo sports will continue to rise to even greater heights,” he emphasised.
For over two decades, Team Edo had often finished in second, third, fourth or fifth positions at regional and national sports festivals. The last time the state emerged champions at a major sporting event was in 2002, when it hosted and won the National Sports Festival.
Many sports enthusiasts, business owners around the stadium, visitors from neighbouring states, as well as Team Edo athletes and coaches, have openly acknowledged that the regional sports fiesta organised by the Dunamis and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has been a blessing to the state and a major boost to sports development in the region.
