By Ozioruva Aliu

BENIN CITY – THE Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Hon Desmond Enabulele, said Edo State is currently topping the medals table in the ongoing Niger Delta games because of the rigorous and painstaking efforts deployed to prepare the athletes for the competition.

He said the game has unfolded as a spectacular showcase of talent, resilience, and sporting excellence, with Edo State asserting its dominance on the medal table.

As of today which is Day 6, Edo leads the medal table with 33 gold, 16 silver, and 17 bronze medals (66 total), followed by Delta State with 21 gold, 25 silver, and 25 bronze (71 total) and Bayelsa State with 19 gold, 11 silver, and 15 bronze (45 total).

A statement by the Media Officer to the Chairman of the ESSC, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Edo’s stellar performance is a testament to Enabulele’s commitment to nurturing athletic talent and fostering unity among sports enthusiasts, a strategy that has propelled the state’s athletes to new heights of achievement.

He said drom the opening events of the day, Edo athletes electrified spectators with performances that combined skill, strength, and unwavering determination. Their medal haul, pan impressive collection of gold, silver, and bronze—reflects not only individual dedication but also the robust infrastructure and support system cultivated under Enabulele’s guidance.

“Edo’s dominance is evident across multiple disciplines. The state has excelled particularly in swimming, weightlifting, tennis, and wrestling, winning the hearts of fans and creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation that reverberates throughout Benin City.

“In swimming, Edo’s athletes broke a 24-year medal drought, delivering a series of remarkable podium finishes. Peremobere Joy triumphed in the 200m Individual Female event, while Lucky Ayeni claimed gold in the 50m Breaststroke. Other standout performers include Akintola Akintokun Albert, who won gold in the Men’s 100m Butterfly, and Funmilayo Demehin, who secured silver in the Women’s 100m Butterfly. Edo’s success extended further with Mien-Ebi Kemedere Mokuomor taking silver in the 200m Freestyle Men, Tissa Precious winning silver in the 100m Freestyle Men, and Nkonye Zitaven Chukunedum earning silver in the 50m Backstroke Women.

“Track and field also contributed to Edo’s impressive tally. Chinedu Ikechukwu Godswill earned silver in the Long Jump, while the state’s Mixed Relay Team secured silver in the 4x100m event, reinforcing Edo’s strong presence in athletics.

“In wrestling, Edo showcased dominance across categories. Peace Paul Diweni won gold in the 49kg Female division, Faith Esosuapko claimed gold in the 57kg Female category, Esewi Ayo took gold in the 53kg Female division, and Wisdom Udoh Akpan earned bronze in the 55kg Male class.

“Weightlifting performances highlighted strength and technical excellence. Goodnews Jacob captured three gold medals in the 65kg Male category, Odion Edegbe earned three silver medals in the 71kg Male division, and Olajumoke Abiola Islamait secured one gold and two silver medals in the 63kg Female class.

“In boxing, Edo’s fighters dominated the ring. Desmond Emeka Lazarus and Emmanuel Chukwuka each won gold in the 60kg and 75kg Men’s events, respectively. Bartholomew Gifted earned silver in the 70kg Men category, while Okolo Favour took bronze in the 60kg Women’s division.

“Edo also made its mark in racquet sports. Bright Joel Udo clinched gold in the Men’s Singles Final after a thrilling victory over Bright Bassey of Akwa Ibom, with Anointing Moses of Bayelsa State taking bronze. In volleyball, Team Edo advanced to both the male and female finals with commanding 3–0 wins over Ondo and Abia, respectively, signaling strong prospects for additional golds.”

Wilson said “As Edo 2026 progresses, the host state remains on course for even greater achievements, driven by talent, resilience, and the unwavering guidance of its sports leadership.”