Team Edo continued its impressive run at the ongoing Niger Delta Games, Edo 2026, delivering a string of gold medal performances and podium finishes that electrified supporters on Day 2 of the competition.
The host state opened its gold medal account in emphatic fashion through Philomena Edomwandagbon in the Para Powerlifting event.
She produced a commanding 115kg lift to outclass her rivals and secure Edo’s first gold of the day. Rivers State followed with 87kg to claim silver, while Imo State settled for bronze after lifting 82kg.
The dominance in powerlifting was further reinforced in the men’s 54kg category as Obarisiuwa Emmanuel powered his way to victory with an impressive 125kg lift.
His outstanding performance handed Edo its second gold medal and underscored the state’s strength in the power events.
On the athletics field, Emmanuel Chakamumudu Audu delivered another golden moment in the men’s Shot Put. Audu launched a massive throw of 17.37 metres to clinch gold, significantly boosting Edo’s medal haul and highlighting the depth of preparation among the state’s athletes.
In team sports, Edo’s female volleyball team thrilled fans at the Wire Road venue in Benin City with a dominant 2–0 victory over Delta State.
Displaying excellent coordination, resilience and composure, the team reinforced Edo’s competitive edge in the Games.
It was, however, a mixed day in some other team events. The male basketball side and the male boxing team fell short against their opponents, including Imo State, despite spirited performances.
Officials remain optimistic that both teams will bounce back stronger in subsequent fixtures.
The women’s 100 metres final produced a keenly contested race, with Delta State’s Ejiro Peter sprinting to gold in 11.58 seconds.
Edo’s Tejiri Ugoh Praise finished strongly to secure silver in 11.76 seconds, while Victory Imoisemeh Azobudi also made the podium with bronze in 11.78 seconds.
In Taekwondo, Stephane Otaigbe added to Edo’s growing medal collection, claiming bronze in both the Pair Poomsae and Female Individual Poomsae events.
Raymond Onosetal Imhandojiemu also secured bronze for Team Edo in the men’s Triple Jump, recording a leap of 14.32 metres.
With multiple gold medals already secured and several podium finishes recorded, Team Edo remains focused and determined to sustain its momentum as the Niger Delta Games continue, buoyed by strong home support and growing confidence across events.
