Niger Delta Games: Full Guide to Events, Teams, and Locations (2026)

Nigeria’s sporting landscape is often dominated by the sheer dominance of the Niger Delta region. Known as the powerhouse of Nigerian sports, states within this region—particularly Delta, Edo, and Rivers—consistently sweep the medal tables at national competitions. From the historic Edo 2020 to the recent Gateway Games 2024/25, the "Delta Spirit" remains the benchmark for athletic excellence in West Africa.

This article highlights the key events, hosting cities, and regional structures that define sports in the Niger Delta.

Which Nigerian city hosted the 2025 National Sports Festival?

The 22nd National Sports Festival, officially tagged "Gateway Games 2024," was hosted in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State. Although originally scheduled for 2024, the festival primarily took place in January and May 2025.

The opening and closing ceremonies were held at the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena, attracting top dignitaries including President Bola Tinubu and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Which state won the 22nd National Sports Festival?

Team Delta emerged as the overall winner of the 22nd National Sports Festival (Ogun 2025). This victory marked Delta State's 8th consecutive win, further cementing its status as Nigeria’s undisputed sports leader.

Position	State	Gold	Silver	Bronze	Total
1st	Delta	122	96	105	323
2nd	Bayelsa	92	62	70	224
3rd	Ogun	90	64	78	232
4th	Rivers	74	56	63	193

What is Edo 2020 National Sports Festival?

Edo 2020 was the 20th edition of the National Sports Festival, held in Benin City, Edo State. Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the event faced multiple postponements and eventually took place in April 2021.

• Venue: The state-of-the-art Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

• Significance: It was praised for its "modern-day" infrastructure and for being a symbol of resilience during the pandemic era.

• Winner: Delta State won the festival, with the host, Edo State, finishing in second place.

What are the 9 states in the Niger Delta?

The Niger Delta is officially defined by the Nigerian government as comprising nine states. These states are the primary focus of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and are central to the biennial Niger Delta Games.

The 9 states are:

1. Abia

2. Akwa Ibom

3. Bayelsa

4. Cross River

5. Delta

6. Edo

7. Imo

8. Ondo

9. Rivers

Future Watch: Edo 2026

Following the inaugural Niger Delta Games in Uyo, the region is preparing for the 2nd Niger Delta Games (Edo 2026). Scheduled for February 20–27, 2026, the games will feature 17 sports disciplines and aim to discover the next generation of Olympic-level talent from the oil-rich region.