2nd Niger Delta Games: Bayelsa, Edo Secure Semi-Final Spots as Handball Quarter-Finals Take Centre Stage in Benin
The knockout phase of the Handball event at the ongoing Edo 2026 2nd Niger Delta Games shifts into top gear on Tuesday as the quarter-final matches take centre stage at the Handball Court of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State.
With tension rising and medals within reach, teams will battle fiercely for the remaining semi-final tickets in what promises to be a thrilling day of action.
As stipulated in the competition’s rules and regulations, Bayelsa and Edo States have already secured automatic qualification to the semi-finals after finishing top in the group stage. Bayelsa topped the Men’s category with four points and an impressive +36 goal difference, while Edo dominated the Women’s category with four points and a remarkable +52 goal difference. Their dominant performances earned them bye slots into the last four.
In the Women’s category, Imo State, who finished second in the group with four points and a +22 goal difference, will take on Bayelsa, who placed seventh with one point and a -10 goal difference. The encounter is slated for 8:00am.
Delta State, third at the end of the group stage, will square up against sixth-placed Cross River at 9:15am in what is expected to be a tightly contested fixture. The final women’s quarter-final game will see Ondo battle Abia at 10:30am for a place in the semi-finals.
In the Men’s category, Imo State, who finished second with four points and a +13 goal difference, will face Rivers at 11:45am. Despite Rivers failing to pick up a point in the group stage, they progressed by virtue of goals scored and will be eager to upset the odds.
Delta will confront Abia at 1:00pm in another decisive clash, while Edo and Akwa Ibom will round off the quarter-final fixtures at 2:15pm in what promises to be a thrilling finale to the day’s proceedings.
Quarter-Final Fixtures (Knockout Stage)
Women’s Category
Edo State – Bye (Qualified for Semi-Finals)
8:00am – Imo vs Bayelsa
9:15am – Delta vs Cross River
10:30am – Ondo vs Abia
Men’s Category
Bayelsa State – Bye (Qualified for Semi-Finals)
11:45am – Imo vs Rivers
1:00pm – Delta vs Abia
2:15pm – Edo vs Akwa Ibom
