By: Sunny Canto
Following an intensive three days competition at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium during the Taekwondoo event at the ongoing second edition of the Niger Delta Games in Benin City; Nigeria.
The indefatigable President: (Mrs.) Tayo Poopola, while speaking to news men, says "Although its our first time featuring in the NDDC games, but I urge the Organizers for continuity, because there's so much talented athletes here; our future Champions we must groom"
Poopla further said, "We must continue to discover, train, foster this young champions from the zones to represent Nigeria at Olympics, Commonwealth, All Africa Games even at National tournaments; also commending and applauding the initiatives as bedrock for sport development"
While athletes like: Osajie Chinedu smashed Two Gold in the (Individual and Pair Poomase) event, Ere Onyeinmebi won Gold in the female category as Solomon Alegu (58kg), Emmanuel Ogbevoen (68kg) replicate that feat for teeam Bayelsa; and the trio of Chidera Henry (80kg), Chijioke Kalu (80kg), (67kg) Oluomachi Orji bagged Gold for team Abia as Akwa Ibom Stella Gideon (49kg), Ovia Josephine (57kg) of Delta, Cross River Desire Bassey ilang (67kg) all won Gold medals.
According to (National Coach and Technical Director); John Victor "Our athletes have shown strength, zeal, passion for the sporting activities here; kudos to LOC and MOC for including Taekwondo which is an Olympic Sport that produced Olympians like: Chika Chukumerije, Emmanuel Peter but appeal for Umpires, Coaches fresher training in order to enhance their performance" he told.
Meanwhile, Swimming, Wrestling, Chess, Athletics, Traditional Wrestling (Kokowa), Handball, Tennis, Scrabble, Para-Powerlifting, Volleyball, Boxing, Table Tennis, Basketball, Football are the sports available for everyone to showcase their exceptional skills and unique talents.
Elsewhere, Edo State Director of Sport Development and Operations, (Mrs.) Sabina Chikere told Journalists, "Before this NDDC games began, there are rules and requirements for participants; State of Origin, NIN, Birth Certificate, also, we are working as a team in Edo, screening and monitoring activities in all the venues" She add, there's so much young talents in the Niger Delta Region, we must enhance and harness them for global recognition" Sabina told.
Notably, Edo 2026 tagged: Rise, Play, Unite Ambassadors are: Victor Ikpeba (Olympian and Ex-Super Eagles) legend, Blessing Forcados (Nigeria Best Swimmer), Eddiong Umofia Joseph (Nigeria Best Weightlifter), Athletics sensational Chukwuka Obi Jennifer, Beckham Obaro Ughojor (Handballer), Noami Okoro (Basketball) champion, Scrabble superstar Nwabuzor Joy Eberechukwu are selected to inspire and motivate those participating in the second editon as Godwin Enakhena heading the Scouting department while former Bayelsa State Sports Diretor spearheading Screening exercise.
In summary, team Edo lead the medals table with 47 medals comprising 22 gold, 12 silver and 13 bronze, Delta are 2nd with 44 medals with 14 gold, 19 silver and 11 bronze while Team Bayelsa are third in the overall medals table with 13 gold, 7 silver and 11 bronze giving a total of 31 medals after Day four and actions, thrilling moment is on today!
