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From Akanimo Kufre, Uyo
Team Uyo are targeting a new medal record at the 2026 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival, with the Chairman of Uyo Local Government Area, Hon. Dr Uwemedimo Udo, promising instant cash rewards for athletes who win medals for the capital city.
Udo made the pledge as preparations gathered momentum for Team Uyo’s campaign at the state’s biggest grassroots sporting event, signalling the local government’s determination to motivate its athletes and improve on its previous performance.
The festival officially got underway on Tuesday afternoon, September 22, at Uyo Township Stadium, venue of the opening ceremony, where Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, lit the Festival Torch to signal the commencement of sporting activities across the state. Sports Supervisor for Uyo, Roberto Edem, confirmed that Team Uyo will compete in about 15 sporting events.
He expressed confidence that the team would deliver an improved performance and challenge strongly for honours across the various disciplines.
Uyo finished second on the medal table at the 2025 edition, behind Itu Local Government Area. With that performance providing a platform for this year’s campaign, Team Uyo are now aiming to go one step further and claim the overall top position.
More than 4,000 athletes representing the 31 local government areas are expected to compete across 27 sports, turning the festival into a major talent-identification platform for the state. Officials hope the competition will uncover the next generation of athletes capable of breaking into national teams and competing on the international stage.
The emergence of athletes such as Ruth Usoro, Commonwealth Games gold medallist Edidiong Umoafia and Enko Ewa Ekuta has demonstrated the potential of Akwa Ibom’s grassroots sports system. For Team Uyo, the challenge is now to convert ambition, preparation and the promise of financial incentives into medals—and potentially produce the next stars to fly the Akwa Ibom and Nigerian flags.
