Niger Delta Games : NWF President Applauds NDDC, Dunamis Icon as Edo Dominates Weightlifting

The President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, has praised the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Dunamis Icon for the successful organisation of the Weightlifting event at the Edo 2026 2nd Niger Delta Games, describing the championship as a landmark initiative for grassroots sports development and youth engagement in the region.

Dr. Abdul, who was unavoidably absent due to other pressing national assignments, was ably represented in Benin City by NWF Board Member, Barrister Amos Dushu, alongside Dr. Steve Olarinoye, another board member.

Speaking at the close of the three-day event, the NWF President commended the organisers for their vision and seamless execution of the event.

“The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation is deeply impressed with the standard of organisation and the quality of competition witnessed here in Benin City. The NDDC and Dunamis Icon Limited have shown that sports can serve as a powerful instrument to positively engage our youths and redirect their energy toward productive ventures,” Dr. Abdul stated.

He further emphasized that the Federation would ensure that talents discovered during the Games are properly nurtured.

“This competition has produced remarkable young lifters. I assure you that the Federation will capture these athletes in our national database to provide structured mentorship, technical guidance and long-term development opportunities,” he added.

Dr. Abdul also urged other regions across Nigeria to replicate the Niger Delta model by investing in structured grassroots competitions to keep young people constructively engaged.

The Weightlifting event itself was a showcase of dominance by host Team Edo, who topped the medals’ table in both the male and female categories with an outstanding haul of 17 gold and 7 silver medals, bringing their total medal count to 24.

Edo were particularly formidable in the female division, clinching 10 gold and 2 silver medals before adding 7 gold and 5 silver medals in the male category to seal an emphatic overall victory.

The gold medal sweep was powered by Esther Adebola (3 gold), Beauty Akpore (3 gold), Peace Osagie (3 gold), ThankGod Sunday (3 gold), Goodnews Jacob (3 gold), Francis Onaifo (1 gold) and Abiola Islamiat (1 gold).

On the final day of competition, Edo reinforced their superiority. ThankGod Sunday delivered three gold medals in the men’s category with a combined lift of 212kg, Francis Onaifo secured gold in the Male 88kg, while Peace Osagie dominated the Female 69kg class, winning all three gold medals on offer with 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 won two gold medals in the Male 60kg category.

Abia claimed third position with an impressive spread of 4 gold, 8 silver and 6 bronze medals. Stella Emmanuel struck gold in the Female 58kg, while Joseph Obinna and Vitalis Eze added to the tally in the male divisions. On the concluding day, Obinna Joseph shone brightly with two gold and one silver medal following a combined lift of 237kg, while Chibuike Chukwu secured one silver and two bronze medals in the Male 79kg.

Rivers State placed fourth with 2 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze medals, largely inspired by Chinasa Chukwu, who singlehandedly delivered two gold and one silver medal in the Female 63kg category with a combined lift of 191kg.

Cross River’s medal success came through Esther Clement, who clinched two gold and one silver medal in the Female 58kg division.

Bayelsa had reasons to celebrate on the final day as Joy Godbless (Female 69kg) and Destiny Duru (Male 88kg) secured three silver and bronze medals respectively.

Team Imo finished at the bottom of 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 recording a total of 188kg.

The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the momentum generated by the Niger Delta Games, noting that the competition has further strengthened the pathway for discovering and grooming the next generation of national and international champions.