Niger Delta Games: Team Edo sweeps weightlifting medals

By Idahosa Moses

There was jubilation in the camp of Team Edo on the eve of the close of competitions at the ongoing Second Niger Delta Games, as the host state’s weightlifters put up a dominant display to sweep virtually all the gold medals on offer in the sport.

Team Edo once again underlined their status as the powerhouse of weightlifting in the Niger Delta region after carting away an impressive 17 gold medals out of the 27 available, a feat that further consolidated their grip on the top position of the medals table.

The latest standings released by the Games’ organising committee showed Edo firmly in control with a total haul of 50 gold and 30 silver medals, comfortably maintaining their lead as the competition heads into its final stages.

ALSO READ: Niger Delta Games: Five athletes disqualified over eligibility breaches

Delta State remains second on the table with 34 gold and 26 silver medals, while Bayelsa State held on to third place with 23 gold and 20 silver medals.

Akwa Ibom sits in a distant fourth position with 12 gold and 15 silver medals, just as Abia State occupies fifth spot with eight gold and 17 silver medals.

Beyond weightlifting, athletes from the host state have continued to impress across several sports, recording outstanding performances in athletics, scrabble, high jump, boxing and aquatic events.

Team Edo is also strongly tipped to add to its glittering medal haul in athletics and football, as attention now shifts to the track events.

All eyes will be on the tartan tracks of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, expected to come alive as the athletics finals hold on Thursday to round off the Games.

The team’s remarkable display of skill, strength and determination has sent shockwaves across the competition, leaving fans and spectators in awe and further reinforcing Edo State’s reputation as a breeding ground for sporting excellence.