Edo State Leads Niger Delta Games With 21 Medals
Host state Edo is dominating the Niger Delta Games after two days of competition, topping the medal table with 15 golds and 6 silvers. Nine states are competing across 16 sports in a week-long celebration of regional athletic talent.
Edo State athletes are making their home crowd proud at the Niger Delta Games, racing to the top of the medal standings with powerful performances in swimming and track.
After two days of competition in Benin City, Edo leads all nine participating states with 15 gold and six silver medals. Delta State follows with nine golds and 11 silvers, while Bayelsa holds third place with eight golds and two silvers.
The Edo swim team delivered the most impressive showing at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium's aquatic center, capturing six of nine available gold medals on opening day. Precious Tissa won the men's 50m freestyle, Lucky Ayeni took the women's 50m freestyle, and Kolade Otunla claimed victory in the 50m backstroke.
Joy Peremoboere added another gold in the 100m breaststroke, while Edo relay teams swept both the men's 4x100m freestyle and women's medley events. The team's success didn't happen by accident, according to Edo State Sports Commission Chairperson Amadin Desmond Enabulele.
"Team Edo have been in camp for the past 21 days," Enabulele explained. "We knew our opponents are good. Early preparation is what gave us the results we are seeing here today."
Why This Inspires
The games are creating moments that go beyond medals. Akwa Ibom's Hephzibah Okon won the women's 800 meters in 2:18 minutes, crossing the finish line with tears of joy streaming down her face.
"I've been praying for this moment. It's really a great one for me," Okon said after her victory. "Competing for my state is a big honour. I will continue to work hard and aim to represent Nigeria at the senior level."
The Niger Delta Development Commission sponsors the games, which run through February 26 and feature 16 different sports. Athletes from across the region are using the competition as a stepping stone toward national team dreams while bringing pride to their home states.
Young athletes like Okon show how regional competitions can launch bigger careers while inspiring the next generation of Nigerian sports stars.
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Based on reporting by Premium Times Nigeria
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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