From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF), ongoing in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has brought together over 3,400 athletes from the nine Niger Delta states, including Edo State.
As the event nears its close on April 8, 2025, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, has lauded Team Edo for their discipline, resilience, consistency, and sportsmanship.
In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Mr. Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele said, “This event has given Team Edo the opportunity to build friendships, promote unity, and showcase their talents. The tournament will help the team address its weaknesses and build on the successes already achieved at this festival.”
He added, “Beyond winning medals, this event is an opportunity to build a formidable team for the upcoming National Sports Festival, scheduled for May in Abeokuta, Ogun State.”
Team Edo’s performance has been impressive, with a current tally of 68 medals—12 gold, 32 silver, and 24 bronze. “In athletics, aquatics, para powerlifting, para athletics, boxing, football, discus, javelin, handball, and swimming, Team Edo has maintained dominance,” the statement highlighted. The squad has consistently reached finals, hinting at more medals to come.
In boxing, Titiloye Kabira (51kg), Lazarus Desmond (52kg), Raheem Ridwan (63.5kg), and Emmanuel Chukwuka (80kg) have emerged as strong contenders for gold and silver after winning their bouts to qualify for Monday’s finals. Meanwhile, in men’s football, Team Edo secured a 1-0 victory over Rivers State to progress further.