The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday redeemed the N30 million pledge he made to Team Edo ahead of the Niger Delta Games.

Recall that Team Edo emerged as the winners of the second edition of the Games with 52 gold, 34 silver, and 25 bronze medals, finishing ahead of eight other participating states.

The governor redeemed the pledge during a reception held for the athletes and officials at the Government House, Benin City.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to discovering, nurturing, and investing in young sporting talents.

Okpebholo congratulated the athletes, coaches, and sports administrators for their dedication and discipline, which culminated in the state finishing at the top of the medals table.

He noted that the victory reflects the enormous sporting potential within the state and the determination of his administration to reposition Edo as a powerhouse in Nigerian sports.

The governor recalled that during the opening ceremony of the competition, he had expressed confidence that the state would not only host the tournament but also win it.

He said, “Congratulations to my dear state, Edo State, for the victory at the second NDDC Games hosted here in Edo. Some of our athletes will represent Nigeria in the Olympic Games.

“At the opening ceremony of the NDDC Games Edo 2026, I said Edo State is not just hosting but hosting to win. Today, we have truly won, defeating other states.

“I promised you ₦30 million if you won, and today you have delivered. We are celebrating because we hosted and we won. You have dominated the medals table and made Edo very proud.

“Your talent is something we must harness, build on, and invest in so that Edo can produce champions who will represent Nigeria in global competitions.”

The governor noted that his administration would continue to invest strategically in sports development, stressing that the talents discovered during the tournament would be carefully groomed to compete at national and international levels.

Okpebholo also commended the Chairman of the Sports Committee, Amadin Enabulele, and other officials for their efforts.

Earlier, Enabulele said the victory was a result of the governor’s proactive support and early preparation for the competition.

He added that the Niger Delta Games victory represents Edo State’s first major multi-sport tournament triumph in about 24 years, marking a turning point in the state’s sporting history.

“We are here today to present the champions’ trophy to the governor and thank him for giving us the opportunity to contribute our quota to the development of sports in Edo State,” Enabulele said.

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Nigerian forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will face tough European challenges this week as their clubs prepare for high-profile fixtures against English opposition.

Galatasaray, led in attack by Osimhen, will host Liverpool F.C. in what promises to be a keenly contested encounter. The Turkish giants will rely on the Super Eagles striker’s pace and clinical finishing as they seek to overcome the English side in front of their home fans.

Osimhen has been in strong form this season and is expected to play a key role for Galatasaray as they aim to secure a positive result against the Premier League club.

Meanwhile, Lookman’s Atlético Madrid will take on Tottenham Hotspur F.C. in another heavyweight clash. The Nigerian winger has been one of Atlético’s standout performers and will be crucial to the Spanish side’s attacking plans.

Lookman’s pace, creativity, and eye for goal have made him an important player for the Madrid club, and he will be hoping to inspire his team to victory against the London side.

The fixtures present another opportunity for the two Nigerian internationals to showcase their quality on the European stage as their clubs seek progression in continental competition.

Other Champions League fixtures include

Atalanta vs Bayern Munich

This is the first-ever competitive meeting between Atalanta and Bayern Munich. Atalanta, the only remaining Italian side in the competition after knockouts involving Napoli, Juventus, and Inter, host the Bundesliga leaders and perennial Champions League contenders Bayern Munich.

Newcastle vs Barcelona

This is the second meeting between the sides this season after Barcelona edged Newcastle 2-1 (or a similar narrow win) in the league phase opener at St. James’ Park in September 2025. Now it’s knockout time in a rematch with high stakes—Newcastle’s first-ever Champions League knockout tie, against La Liga leaders Barcelona under Hansi Flick.

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Arsenal have strengthened their position in the Premier League title race following their victory over Brighton and Hove Albion, while champions Manchester City dropped points in a draw against Nottingham Forest.

The result leaves Mikel Arteta’s side in a strong position with eight matches remaining in the season, although City still have a game in hand.

With the current points situation, Arsenal remain in control of their destiny.

If the North London side wins all their remaining matches, they will be crowned champions regardless of Manchester City’s results.

One of the most decisive fixtures in the title run-in will be Arsenal’s trip to the Etihad Stadium in April to face City.

The outcome of that encounter could have a significant impact on the direction of the race.

If Arsenal secure victory at the Etihad, they would only need to pick up 15 points from their other seven games to clinch the title, assuming City win all their remaining matches.

However, if the match ends in a draw, Arsenal would need to collect at least 18 points from their remaining seven fixtures to stay ahead of the defending champions.

A defeat in Manchester would place greater pressure on Arteta’s men, as they would then likely need to win all their other league matches to maintain their advantage.

Another factor that could favour Arsenal is their schedule.

The Gunners are set to play most of their remaining league matches in London, with the trip to Manchester expected to be their only major away test in the closing weeks of the campaign.

Still, the run-in could be complicated by other competitions, with Champions League fixtures and domestic cup commitments likely to test squad depth for both sides.

The Premier League run-in is further complicated by the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, where both Arsenal and Manchester City could face another high-stakes encounter. The outcome may provide a crucial psychological boost to the winner ahead of the final weeks of the title race.

As the season enters its decisive phase, Arsenal’s ability to maintain consistency while navigating a demanding schedule may ultimately determine whether they can secure their first Premier League title since Premier League 2003–04 season.

Remaining fixtures:

Arsenal

Sat 14 Mar: Arsenal vs Everton

Sat 11 Apr: Arsenal vs Bournemouth

Sun 19 Apr: Arsenal vs Manchester City

Sat 25 Apr: Arsenal vs Newcastle United

Sat 2 May: Arsenal vs Fulham

Sat 9 May: Arsenal vs West Ham United

Sun 17 May: Arsenal vs Burnley

Sun 24 May: Arsenal vs Crystal Palace

Manchester City

Sat 14 Mar: Man City vs West Ham

Sun 12 Apr: Man City vs Chelsea

Sun 19 Apr: Man City vs Arsenal

Sun 26 Apr: Man City vs Burnley

Sat 2 May: Man City vs Everton

Sat 9 May: Man City vs Brentford

Sun 17 May: Man City vs Bournemouth

Sun 24 May: Man City vs Aston Villa