Imo State Shines While Bayelsa Wins Big at the U-25 Niger Delta Sports Festival 2025.

The U-25 Niger Delta Sports Festival wrapped up in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on April 9th, 2025, after a week of exciting sports action and incredible displays of talent. Over 3,000 young athletes from across the Niger Delta came together to compete in 17 different sports.

Bayelsa State took the top spot, dominating the medal table with a total of 42 gold, 29 silver, and 15 bronze medals. Delta and Edo States came in second and third, showing strong performances in events like athletics and swimming.

Imo State also made a strong impression at the festival. The football team kicked off with a 3-0 win against Cross River State, though they later lost 1-2 to Delta. Overall, Imo finished 8th place, securing 42 medals and showing that there’s plenty of untapped talent ready to shine.

Beyond the competition, the festival was celebrated for bringing the Niger Delta together, promoting unity and inspiring youth across the region. There’s already talk about making this festival a regular event to help grow sports in the area.

For Imo and the other states, it wasn’t just about the medals—it was about giving the next generation of athletes a chance to show what they can do and building a stronger future for sports in the region.