Uyo, Akwa Ibom State – The Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) 2025 has witnessed a phenomenal display of skill and prowess by Team Bayelsa, with the state dominating the chess events and making impressive strides in various other disciplines.
Chess Dominance
Africa’s young chess sensation, Deborah Quickpen, led the charge by winning gold in the female individual rapid event, while Jessica Pelomo claimed silver and Sunshine Ebiakpo settled for bronze. Quickpen further solidified Bayelsa’s dominance by winning gold in the female blitz event, with Ebiakpo securing silver.
The overall team event also saw Bayelsa emerge victorious, with Goodness Ekunke claiming silver in the male rapid individual event and Alagoa Ayibaenemibarakere clinching silver.
Swimming Success
Bayelsa’s swimming team has been equally impressive, with John Agnes winning gold in the women’s 100m Backstroke event. The quartet of Dorcas Okah, John Agnes, Gift Obodo, and Deinyefa Numbers also triumphed in the 4x100m freestyle relay women’s event, securing another gold medal.
Para Athletics and Wrestling
Claudius Godspower’s gold medal win in the men’s para athletics event in Javelin has further added to Bayelsa’s medal tally. The state’s wrestlers have also excelled, winning two gold medals, one silver, and a bronze medal.
Table Tennis and Basketball
Victor Kemela’s gold medal win in the men’s singles table tennis event and his partnership with Oweifa in the men’s doubles have brought more glory to Bayelsa. The state’s women’s basketball team has also made a strong impression, annihilating Cross Rivers 55-21 to reach the semi-finals.
Handball and Athletics
The Bayelsa women’s handball team has qualified for the semi-finals, while Faith Ezechukwu and Chucks have made it to the finals of the 400m women’s and men’s events, respectively.
Current Medal Standings
As of the end of day four, Bayelsa has amassed an impressive 52 medals, comprising 28 gold, 15 silver, and nine bronze medals, occupying the second position in the overall medal standings.
The Niger Delta Sports Festival 2025 continues to showcase the exceptional talents of athletes from across the region, with Team Bayelsa leading the charge.
