The President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, has commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Dunamis Icon for delivering a successful weightlifting competition at the Edo 2026 2nd Niger Delta Games.
Although Dr. Abdul was unable to attend due to official engagements, he was represented in Benin City by NWF board members Barrister Amos Dushu and Dr. Steve Olarinoye. Speaking at the end of the three-day championship, he praised the organisers for raising the standard of grassroots competition in the region.
According to him, the quality of organisation and level of performance recorded at the Games underline the growing importance of structured sporting events in youth development. He noted that initiatives like the Niger Delta Games provide young athletes with opportunities to channel their energy into productive ventures through sports.
Dr. Abdul assured that standout athletes discovered during the competition would be integrated into the Federation’s national database for proper monitoring, mentorship and long-term technical development. He also encouraged other regions of the country to adopt similar grassroots-focused models to strengthen talent discovery across Nigeria.
On the platform, host Team Edo delivered a commanding performance, finishing top of the medals table in both the male and female categories with 17 gold and 7 silver medals, totalling 24 medals overall.
Edo set the tone in the women’s division, claiming 10 gold and 2 silver medals, before adding 7 gold and 5 silver medals in the men’s events to seal a comprehensive victory.
The gold rush was spearheaded by Esther Adebola, Beauty Akpore, Peace Osagie and ThankGod Sunday, who each claimed three gold medals. Goodnews Jacob also secured three gold medals, while Francis Onaifo and Abiola Islamiat contributed one gold medal apiece.
On the final day, ThankGod Sunday lifted a combined 212kg to win three gold medals in the men’s category. Francis Onaifo clinched gold in the Male 88kg class, while Peace Osagie dominated the Female 69kg division with three gold medals and a total lift of 182kg.
Akwa Ibom finished second overall with 5 gold, 2 silver and 5 bronze medals. Samuel Sampson accounted for three gold medals in the Male 71kg, while Felix Iniobong added two gold medals in the Male 60kg category.
Abia placed third with 4 gold, 8 silver and 6 bronze medals. Stella Emmanuel won gold in the Female 58kg, as Joseph Obinna and Vitalis Eze delivered strong performances in the men’s events. On the closing day, Obinna recorded a combined lift of 237kg to secure two gold and one silver medal, while Chibuike Chukwu claimed one silver and two bronze medals in the Male 79kg.
Rivers State ended fourth with 2 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze medals, largely driven by Chinasa Chukwu’s effort of two gold and one silver medal in the Female 63kg with a combined lift of 191kg.
Cross River’s medals came through Esther Clement, who won two gold and one silver medal in the Female 58kg category.
Bayelsa also made the podium on the final day, as Joy Godbless (Female 69kg) and Destiny Duru (Male 88kg) secured three silver and bronze medals respectively.
Team Imo rounded off the standings with one silver and one bronze medal, both won by Victory Maduabuchi in the Male 65kg after lifting 84kg in the snatch and posting a total of 188kg.
The Federation reiterated its commitment to building on the success of the Niger Delta Games, describing the competition as a vital pathway for identifying and nurturing future national and international champions.
