Okpebholo Honours Team Edo Champions, Surprises Young Chess Talent with N1m Gift

The excitement surrounding the successful hosting of the second edition of the Niger Delta Games in Edo State continues to yield positive outcomes for Team Edo athletes and officials following their impressive performance at the competition.

Team Edo, which emerged overall champion at the regional sports fiesta tagged Edo 2026, was on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, hosted to a grand reception by the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, at the Government House in Benin City.

The reception was organised in recognition of the athletes’ outstanding performance and their sacrifices in restoring Edo State’s pride in competitive sports after more than two decades without a major championship victory.
One of the most emotional moments of the event occurred when Governor Okpebholo showed special appreciation to Team Edo’s youngest athlete, 10-year-old chess player, Esohe Mfon Shadrach, who won a bronze medal at the games.

During a group photograph session, the governor noticed the young athlete and commended her exceptional performance at such a young age.

“Chairman, how did you come about having a young talent like this in your team and she is even among the medalists? Bring the little girl to my office along with the coaches who are the real heroes. I have a gift for her,” the governor said while addressing the Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele.

In recognition of her achievement and potential, the governor presented Esohe with a souvenir and a cash reward of N1 million to support her budding career and assist her family.

The governor also rewarded Team Edo coaches with N5 million in appreciation of their dedication and contributions to the team’s success.

The Team Edo contingent, led by the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, had earlier visited the Government House following their historic triumph at the games.

Speaking on the governor’s gesture, Enabulele expressed gratitude for the encouragement and support shown to the athletes.

“On behalf of the Edo State Sports Commission and the entire Team Edo family, I sincerely appreciate His Excellency for this remarkable show of love and encouragement. This will only spur us to do more for the state,” he said.

He added that such recognition would continue to motivate young athletes to strive for excellence while proudly representing Edo State in future competitions.

As directed by the governor, Enabulele on Wednesday formally presented the N1 million cash reward to young Esohe in his office in the presence of her parents, who expressed gratitude to the governor and the Edo State Sports Commission for the support.

Team Edo’s victory at the Niger Delta Games marks a significant milestone for the state’s sports sector. The last time Edo State won a major sporting competition was in 2002, when it hosted and emerged champion at the National Sports Festival.

Sports enthusiasts and stakeholders have also praised the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and its partners for organising the regional sports fiesta, noting that the initiative has helped revive sporting activities and economic opportunities around the host state.