In what may become the defining rivalry of the 22nd National Sports Festival, Bayelsa State has thrown down the gauntlet — and it’s aimed straight at perennial champions Delta, as well as powerhouses Edo and host Ogun.
Bayelsa’s Commissioner for Sports, Olympic gold medalist Dr. Daniel Igali, stirred the competitive spirit of the nation Monday when he boldly declared his state’s intention to disrupt the long-standing hierarchy of Nigerian sports.
“We’re not here to just participate — we’re here to shake things up,” Igali said at the festival grounds. “Bayelsa is ready to give Delta, Edo, and Ogun a serious run for their medals.”
Delta State, winners of the last seven editions of the festival, have dominated the podium for over a decade. But this year, Team Bayelsa is on a mission to change that narrative.
Igali’s confidence is not empty talk. Bayelsa state stunned the sports world just last month by narrowly defeating Delta at the Niger Delta Sports Festival, snatching the top position with 42 gold medals — just one more than Delta.
“We’ve been building for this moment,” Igali added. “Our performance at the Niger Delta Games wasn’t a fluke — it was a warning.”
He credited the state’s rise to a strategic sports revolution: massive grassroots investment, world-class coaching, and a culture that nurtures excellence. Wrestling, canoeing, athletics, boxing, and swimming are just some of the sports where Bayelsa’s athletes have already made early waves at the Gateway Games.
“Bayelsa isn’t coming to participate — we’re coming to dominate,” he said. “This festival is going to be one for the history books.”
As fireworks fade from the spectacular opening ceremony at MKO Abiola Stadium — attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and Governor Dapo Abiodun — the real battle begins on the tracks, fields, and arenas.
With Dr. Igali leading the charge and a hungry, battle-tested team behind him, Bayelsa may just be the dark horse poised to rewrite history.
