Bayelsa State has emerged as the surprise leader of the medals table at the ongoing 1st Niger Delta Sports Festival, displacing long-time regional sports powerhouse, Delta State, in a dramatic turn of events in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
As the festival progresses into its final stages, Bayelsa athletes have shown remarkable prowess, amassing a total of 68 medals, including an impressive haul of 36 gold, 20 silver, and 12 bronze medals. This stellar performance has catapulted the state to the summit of the table, edging past Delta State, which trails closely with 35 gold, 20 silver, and 23 bronze medals — a total of 78 medals.
Although Delta maintains the highest overall medal count, Bayelsa’s superior gold tally has placed them in pole position, as gold medals remain the key determinant in ranking.
Rivers State holds third place with 17 gold, 11 silver, and 17 bronze medals, making a total of 45, while Edo State, despite a commendable 69-medal total, sits in fourth place due to a lower count of 12 gold medals.
Other states trailing the leaders include Ondo State with 7 gold, 11 silver, and 10 bronze (28 total), host state Akwa Ibom with 7 gold, 10 silver, and 9 bronze (26 total), and Abia State with 5 gold, 10 silver, and 7 bronze medals (22 total). Imo and Cross River complete the standings with Imo claiming 3 gold, 10 silver, and 18 bronze medals, and Cross River garnering 3 gold, 4 silver, and 15 bronze medals.
The inaugural edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival has so far been hailed as a celebration of regional unity, talent, and sportsmanship. With athletes competing across various disciplines, the festival aims to harness the rich sporting potential of the Niger Delta and foster peaceful coexistence through sports.
As competitions continue, all eyes will remain on Bayelsa to see if they can sustain their lead and finish as overall champions, while Delta and other contenders seek to close the gap.
The festival continues in Uyo, with finals in athletics, wrestling, and football expected to further shake up the medals table in the days ahead.
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