Sports
2026 Niger Delta Games, Edo Dethrones Defending Champions, Bayelsa
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The second edition of the Niger Delta Games ended in electrifying fashion yesterday at the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City as Edo State dethroned defending champions Bayelsa to emerge the overall winners.
At the close of competition, Edo topped the medals table with 111 medals made up of 52 gold, 34 silver and 25 bronze.
Delta followed in second place with 39 gold, 29 silver and 34 bronze (102 medals), while defending champions Bayelsa finished third with 25 gold, 24 silver and 26 bronze medals (75 overall). Akwa Ibom came fourth with 16 gold, 17 silver and 22 bronze medals for 55 medals overall while Abia, Cross River, Ondo, Rivers and Imo finished in fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth.
Meanwhile, the relays provided a fittingly dramatic climax to the championship, organised by Dunamis Icon Limited and sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission.
Although Edo celebrated overall supremacy, Delta State once again underlined its dominance on the track by winning three of the four relay events to cap a commanding athletics campaign.
Delta struck gold in both the women’s and men’s 4x100m as well as the women’s 4x400m events.
In the women’s 4x100m, the quartet of Chinonso Odika, Ejiro Peter, Vivin Iyamu and Chukwuma Faith stormed to victory in 46.20 seconds, finishing ahead of Bayelsa (46.70s) and Edo (46.77s).
The men’s 4x100m saw Osama Chibueze, Onoriode Peter, Godswill Saturday and Gift Gowon combine smoothly to clinch gold in 40.55 seconds. Bayelsa followed with 41.12s, while Rivers secured bronze in 41.26s.
Delta completed a hat-trick of relay triumphs in the women’s 4x400m. Mary Innocent, Ossai Siviana, Treasure Okereke and Rejoice Anochie clocked 3:38.68, with Anochie delivering a decisive anchor leg to overtake Akwa Ibom, who settled for silver in 3:39.25. Rivers claimed bronze in 3:50.37.
Akwa Ibom prevented a clean sweep by Delta in the relays by winning the men’s 4x400m. Essien Faithwin powered through a blistering anchor leg to seal victory in 3:14.87, alongside teammates Bassey Mfoniso, Udotong Edidiong and Udoh David. Delta finished a close second in 3:15.26, while Bayelsa placed third in 3:15.86.
With Edo State having already secured enough points to guarantee the overall title before the final relay events, jubilation filled the stadium as athletes and supporters celebrated a memorable achievement on home soil.
Beyond the sporting spectacle, the Games also showcased the region’s rich culture during a vibrant Cultural Expo Night headlined by popular comedian Okey Bakkassi.
Ondo State emerged winners of the dance competition, claiming the ₦1 million prize. The reward was generously doubled by Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission, who graced both the cultural night and the closing ceremony.
Bruno Fernandes has been announcd the Premier League Player of the Season following an outstanding campaign with Manchester United.Soccer
The Portuguese midfielder, who captains the club, added the latest honour to an already impressive season after previously winning the Football Writers’ Association Men’s Player of the Year award earlier this month.
Fernandes played a crucial role in United’s strong league campaign, helping the Red Devils finish third and secure qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
The 31-year-old matched the Premier League record for assists in a single season after providing his 20th assist during United’s clash against Nottingham Forest last weekend.
In addition to his creativity, Fernandes also contributed eight league goals in 37 appearances for Manchester United this season.
No player in the Premier League created more chances than Fernandes, who recorded an impressive 132 chances — 43 more than the next closest player, Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool FC.
Fernandes becomes the first Manchester United player to win the prestigious award since former defender Nemanja Vidić claimed it in 2011.
The award was decided through a combination of public voting and selections made by a panel of football experts.
Other players shortlisted for the honour included David Raya, Gabriel Magalhães, Declan Rice, Erling Haaland, Antoine Semenyo, Igor Thiago and Morgan Gibbs-White.
Manchester United will round off their Premier League season with an away fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion FC on Sunday.
UEFA on Thursday named the Europa League Team of the Season following the conclusion of the competition on Wednesday.
Recall that Aston Villa won the Europa League after beating Freiburg 3-0 in the final in Turkey.
However, UEFA’s Technical Observer Group has now selected its 2025/26 Europa League Team of the Season.
Aston Villa have four players in the official Europa League Team of the Season.
Here is the team in full:
Goalkeeper
Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa)
Defenders
Victor Gómez (Braga)
Matthias Ginter (Freiburg)
Morato (Nottingham Forest)
Oscar Mingueza (Celta)
Midfielders
Maximilian Eggestein (Freiburg)
John McGinn (Aston Villa)
Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
Forwards
Antony (Real Betis)
Igor Jesus (Nottingham Forest)
Emiliano Buendía (Aston Villa)
No fewer than four Arsenal stars could be playing their last Premier League match for the club this weekend.
The Gunners close out their title-winning campaign when they take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s men were confirmed champions on Tuesday night, following Manchester City’s 1-1 draw at Bournemouth.
Arsenal will now receive their trophy against Palace.
However, some members of the current squad may be sold when the next transfer window arrives.
Christian Norgaard could be heading out of the door, despite only joining Arsenal last summer from Brentford.
Arteta has left Norgaard out of the last two matchday squads and the Danish midfielder might have to seek new pastures.
Ben White, who is currently injured, has also been linked with Everton.
Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz are now undoubtedly ahead of Gabriel Jesus in the pecking order and the Brazilian striker could depart in search of more playing time.
Myles Lewis-Skelly is less likely to leave than Jesus and Trossard, despite starting only four league fixtures, he has also been linked with a shock move to Manchester United.
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