EDO STATE LEADS MEDAL TALLY AT NIGER DELTA GAMES
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
Team Edo State has continued its impressive run in the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, leading the medal table with 50 gold, 30 silver, and 22 bronze medals.
The athletes delivered outstanding performances across all events, solidifying Edo’s dominance in the competition.
In swimming, Edo’s competitors ended a 24-year medal drought with a series of remarkable finishes. Peremobere Joy clinched gold in the 200m Individual Female event, while Lucky Ayeni secured gold in the 50m Breaststroke.
Other notable performances included Akintola Albert, who won gold in the Men’s 100m Butterfly, and Funmilayo Demehin, who took silver in the Women’s 100m Butterfly. Edo’s medal haul was further boosted by Mien-Ebi Mokuomor (silver, 200m Freestyle Men), Tissa Precious (silver, 100m Freestyle Men), and Nkonye Chukunedum (silver, 50m Backstroke Women).
Track and field events further boosted Edo State’s medal count. Chinedu Ikechukwu Godswill won silver in the Long Jump, while the state’s Mixed Relay Team claimed silver in the 4x100m, underlining Edo’s strength in athletics.
In wrestling, Edo athletes dominated across multiple categories. Peace Diweni took gold in the 49kg Female division, Faith Esosuapko secured gold in the 57kg Female category, Esewi Ayo won gold in the 53kg Female division, and Wisdom Udoh Akpan earned bronze in the 55kg Male class.
Weightlifting also contributed significantly to Edo’s haul, showcasing both strength and technical skill. Goodnews Jacob captured three gold medals in the 65kg Male category, Odion Edegbe earned three silver medals in the 71kg Male division, and Olajumoke Islamait secured one gold and two silver medals in the 63kg Female class.
Edo State’s boxers continued the team’s strong performance in the Niger Delta Games. Desmond Emeka Lazarus and Emmanuel Chukwuka each claimed gold in the Men’s 60kg and 75kg events, respectively. Bartholomew Gifted secured silver in the Men’s 70kg category, while Okolo Favour earned bronze in the Women’s 60kg division.
Edo State continued to shine in racquet sports, with Bright Joel Udo taking gold in the Men’s Singles final after a thrilling victory over Bright Bassey of Akwa Ibom, while Anointing Moses of Bayelsa State claimed bronze. In volleyball, Team Edo reached both the male and female finals with 3–0 wins over Ondo and Abia, signaling strong prospects for additional gold medals.
Sports analyst Osaro Peters told The PUNCH that Edo’s outstanding performance reflects the dedication of Sports Commission chairman Destiny Enabulele in nurturing talent and fostering unity among athletes—a strategy that has propelled the state’s competitors to new heights.
“From the opening day, Edo athletes have thrilled spectators with displays of skill, strength, and determination,” Peters said. He added that the team’s impressive medal haul—including gold, silver, and bronze—demonstrates not only individual commitment but also the strong infrastructure and support system built under Enabulele’s leadership.
“Edo’s dominance is evident across multiple disciplines, particularly in swimming, weightlifting, tennis, and wrestling, winning fans’ hearts and creating an atmosphere of excitement throughout Benin City,” he noted.
“With several competitions still underway, Team Edo continues to showcase relentless determination and remarkable athletic prowess. Under Enabulele’s visionary guidance, the state has firmly established itself as a regional sports powerhouse, inspiring both athletes and spectators alike.”
“As the 2026 Niger Delta Games continue, Edo State is poised for even greater success, fueled by its athletes’ talent, determination, and the steadfast leadership of its sports officials.”
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