Delta, Imo, Bayelsa dominate Day 3 of Niger Delta Sports Festival

Day 3 of the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) came with a flurry of excitement as athletes thrilled fans with intense contests in various events, from indoor games at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium to energetic football battles, combat sports, swimming, and other team activities.

Delta State once again proved their strength in swimming, winning gold in the 50m Butterfly Finals and the men’s team event, solidifying their top position in aquatic sports.

Imo State also impressed in Traditional Wrestling, recording six wins out of eight semi-final bouts in both male and female categories, securing a strong position heading into the finals.

In the 63kg weight category of combat sports, Edo State’s Raheem Ridwan defeated Ojo Victor of Ondo State with a clean 5-0 scoreline to clinch victory.

Chess saw strong performances from Delta and Bayelsa. Uraiah Patrick of Delta took gold in the men’s Rapid Event, while Bayelsa’s Ekunke Odey Goodness won silver. In the women’s Rapid Event, Bayelsa swept the medals, with Deborah Ebimobo winning gold, Pelomoh Jessica taking silver, and Edo’s Ebiakpo Sunshine and Osayande Kingsley sharing bronze.

At the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, Akwa Ibom’s women’s doubles tennis team outplayed their Edo counterparts in the quarterfinals. In singles, Edo’s Lorelay Holzendorff overcame Olaniyan Adesewa in a fierce match that lasted over 90 minutes, winning both sets in tiebreakers 5-4(2), 5-4(5). She will now face Etoro Bassey of Akwa Ibom in the semifinals.

As Day 5 unfolds, the festival began with a Golf Kitty demonstration at the Ibom Icon Hotel Golf Resort. The day’s schedule is filled with high expectations as finals in athletics and para-athletics take center stage. Events to watch include the Women’s Shot Put F/40 (Para-weightlifting), Women’s Triple Jump Final, and Para-athletics Hammer Throw for women.

More medals are also up for grabs in swimming, Traditional Wrestling, and weightlifting, adding to the growing excitement across the region.