Bayelsa, Edo March into Last Four as 2026 NDG Handball Q/Finals Ignite Benin

Posted : 24 February 2026

The race for handball glory at the 2nd Niger Delta Games in Edo 2026 intensifies on Tuesday as the quarter-final stage unfolds at the Handball Court of the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

With semi-final tickets and medal hopes hanging in the balance, the knockout clashes promise drama, grit, and high-octane action as teams fight to stay alive in the competition.

Bayelsa, Edo Already Through

While several states brace for must-win encounters, Bayelsa and host state Edo have already secured safe passage into the semi-finals after commanding performances in the group stage.

Bayelsa stamped their authority in the men’s category, finishing top with four points and a staggering +36 goal difference. Edo, meanwhile, were simply unstoppable in the women’s category, topping their group with four points and an emphatic +52 goal margin to earn automatic qualification into the last four.

Their early qualification affords them valuable rest as other contenders battle through the quarter-final hurdles.

Women’s Q/Final Line-Up

The women’s event kicks off proceedings with Imo State, who finished second in their group with four points and a +22 goal difference, taking on Bayelsa at 8:00 a.m. Bayelsa, despite placing seventh with one point and a -10 goal difference, will be eager to turn the tide when it matters most.

At 9:15 a.m., Delta State face Cross River in what is anticipated to be a closely fought encounter. Delta concluded the group phase in third position, while Cross River finished sixth.

The final women’s quarter-final fixture sees Ondo lock horns with Abia at 10:30 a.m., with both sides eyeing a coveted semi-final berth alongside Edo.

Men’s Q/Final Showdowns

In the men’s draw, attention shifts to the 11:45 a.m. clash between Imo and Rivers. Imo advanced as group runners-up with four points and a +13 goal difference, while Rivers progressed despite failing to secure a point — advancing on goals scored — and will look to produce a surprise result.

Delta square off against Abia at 1:00 p.m. in another decisive fixture, before Edo and Akwa Ibom wrap up the day’s action at 2:15 p.m. in what promises to be a thrilling finale.

With Bayelsa already waiting in the semi-finals of the men’s event and Edo comfortably through in the women’s category, Tuesday’s quarter-final contests are set to define the championship narrative in Benin City.

As the stakes rise and margins tighten, only the strongest will survive the knockout storm.

Bayelsa, Edo March into Last Four as 2026 NDG Handball Q/Finals Ignite Benin

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