By Rhoda Godwin
Competition intensifies at the ongoing 2nd Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Games in Edo State as athletes from across the region battle for medals in various sporting events.
Monday’s fixtures feature an array of high-profile encounters across different venues in Benin City.
In football, Delta State faces Abia State at the Crescent Sports Centre by 9:30 a.m., before taking on Akwa Ibom later in the day at 2:00 p.m.
Basketball fans are set for thrilling clashes at the Wire Road Sports Centre, where Delta confronts Bayelsa in both the women’s semi-finals and the men’s quarter-finals. The male quarter-final tips off at 9:00 a.m., while the women’s semi-final is slated as the fourth match of the day.
Handball action at the Ogbe Stadium will see Delta square up against Bayelsa in the female category at 10:15 a.m., while Edo tackles Delta in the men’s event at 3:15 p.m.
Other sporting activities scheduled for the day include athletics and swimming at 8:00 a.m. inside the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, as well as chess at the Chairman’s Board Room of Ogbe Stadium, table tennis at Etete Hall, volleyball at Wire Road, taekwondo and wrestling at Ogbe Stadium, and weightlifting and traditional wrestling at the Etete Sports Centre. Boxing bouts will hold behind the swimming pool area of Ogbe Stadium from noon.
Bayelsa Shines in Swimming
Meanwhile, Team Bayelsa has recorded an early medal haul in swimming, clinching one gold and one silver medal.
Agnes John delivered a stellar performance to secure gold in the girls’ 100 metres backstroke event. Speaking shortly after her victory at the swimming pool of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Agnes expressed joy over her triumph, stating that her ambition is to grow stronger and achieve greater success at both national and international levels.
In the boys’ 100 metres freestyle event, Goodluck Edwin added to Bayelsa’s medal tally by finishing second to claim silver.
Para-powerlifting is among the events already concluded as the Games continue to showcase the sporting talents and competitive spirit of the Niger Delta region.
The 2nd NDDC Games, Edo 2026, remain a vibrant platform for youth development and regional unity through sports.
