April 08, (THEWILL) – The maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival has ended in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital with the Bayelsa Athletics team winning a total of nine (9) medals, 3 Gold, 5 Silver and 1 bronze.
This confirms the overall best won by Bayelsa last month at the MTN Athletics Champs in Benin City, Edo State.
At the Niger Delta Sports festival, the Bayelsa quartet of Toyib, Daje Lucky, Shalom George and Austin Ezuruike, won the 4x100m relay to announce their dominance over Delta State.
Bayelsa’s star girl, Sophia Efetobore, became the fastest woman in the 200m with gold ahead of Delta’s Jennifer Obi.
The same Obi had earlier beaten Sophia to the 100-metre gold. Sophia’s effort was capped with a Silver.
Daje Lucky won silver in both the 100m and 200m men behind Olympian, Favour Ashe, of Delta State. Austin Ezuruike settled for bronze in men’s 100m, while Clarkson John won silver in Javelin for Men.
The quartet of Daje Lucky, Isaac Miracle, Tamunotonye Abagwo, and Bright Benson won silver in the 4x 400m men’s relay.
Also, Christian Dickson announced his presence in the 110m hurdles men by beating the current national champion to the gold medal.
Vice-Chairman of the State Athletics Association, Dr Kolawole Oredipe, who was elated by the team’s performance, said the results show that the state is getting it right in the development of athletics, particularly with the young athletes.
Dr Oredipe, who said the NDSF served as a good preparatory ground for the National Sports Festival starting from the 16th of May in Ogun State, commended the state government and sports council for the support.
He also appreciated the coaches and athletes for their dedication, which he noted is paying off.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
