Delta, Imo shine on Day 3 of Niger Delta Sports Festival

Day 3 of the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) delivered electrifying moments across different sporting events, ranging from indoor games at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium to action-packed football matches, combat sports, aquatic contests, and team competitions.

In swimming, Delta State continued its dominance by clinching gold in the 50m Butterfly Finals and the men’s team event. The state’s performance in the water reaffirmed its stronghold in aquatic sports.

Imo State made a strong statement in Traditional Wrestling, securing six out of eight wins in both male and female semi-final bouts to secure multiple spots in the finals.

In the under 63kg category, Edo State’s Raheem Ridwan emerged victorious after defeating Ondo State’s Ojo Victor with a 5-0 win.

Chess saw Delta State’s Uraiah Patrick claim gold in the men’s Rapid Event, while Bayelsa’s Ekunke Odey Goodness settled for silver. In the women’s Rapid Event, Bayelsa State claimed all the top honours, with Deborah Ebimobo grabbing the gold after overcoming her teammate Pelomoh Jessica, who took the silver. Edo’s Ebiakpo Sunshine and Osayande Kingsley both secured bronze, finishing joint third.

Tennis action at the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre saw Team Akwa Ibom overpower Team Edo in the women’s doubles quarterfinal. In singles, Edo’s Lorelay Holzendorff defeated Olaniyan Adesewa in a tough, over 90-minute match that ended in two tiebreakers 5-4(2), 5-4(5). Holzendorff now moves on to face Etoro Bassey of Akwa Ibom in the semifinals.

As Day 5 kicks off, events opened with a Golf Kitty demonstration at the Ibom Icon Hotel Golf Resort. The schedule promises an exciting lineup of finals in athletics and para-athletics, including the Women’s Shot Put F/40 (Para-weightlifting), Triple Jump Women’s Final, and Para-athletics Hammer Throw for women.

Medals will also be contested in swimming, Traditional Wrestling, and weightlifting, adding to the growing excitement of the festival.