2nd NSG: Edo Women Sweep Gold as Akwa Ibom Take Early Lead in Men’s Weightlifting

Posted : 24 February 2026

Host state Edo delivered a commanding performance on Day One of the weightlifting event at the ongoing Edo 2026 2nd Niger Delta Games, clinching all six available gold medals in the women’s category, while Akwa Ibom edged ahead in the men’s division.

Competing at the Etete Sports Centre in Benin City, Edo State, the hosts displayed remarkable strength, technique, and dominance to establish themselves as clear favourites in the women’s event.

Edo’s clean sweep was spearheaded by the outstanding duo of Esther Adebola and Beauty Akpore, who ruled the 48kg and 53kg weight classes, respectively.

In the 48kg category, Adebola secured three gold medals after lifting 70kg in the snatch and 85kg in the clean & jerk for a total of 155kg. Not to be outdone, Akpore mirrored the feat in the 53kg division, claiming three gold medals to seal a perfect start for Team Edo in the women’s competition.

Behind the dominant hosts, Rivers and Abia currently share second position on the women’s medals table, each earning three silver medals through Christianah Ollorma (Rivers) and Marvelous Chidirim (Abia). Akwa Ibom’s Mbuotidem Etim secured three bronze medals, while Ondo’s Moyinoluwa Adebusuyi added two bronze medals to her state’s tally. Delta’s Jennifer Odivirwri claimed the remaining bronze medal.

In the men’s 60kg category, Akwa Ibom emerged as the early pace-setters. Felix Iniobong delivered a strong performance, winning two gold medals in the clean & jerk (111kg) and total lift (194kg), while also claiming silver in the snatch with an 83kg effort.

Abia’s Vitalis Eze also impressed, lifting 85kg to win gold in the snatch. He went on to secure silver in the clean & jerk and bronze in the total. Delta currently completes the men’s medals standings with one silver and one bronze medal.

Action resumes on Tuesday with contests in the men’s 65kg and 71kg categories, alongside the women’s 58kg and 63kg divisions. The weightlifting event will conclude on Wednesday with the men competing in the 79kg and 88kg classes, while the women will battle in the 69kg category.

Meanwhile, two board members of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Dr. Steve Olarinoye and Barrister Amos Dushu, are on the ground to oversee proceedings and provide technical guidance. Barrister Dushu is representing the Federation’s President, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, working alongside referees and other officials to ensure the smooth conduct of the three-day competition.

2nd NSG: Edo Women Sweep Gold as Akwa Ibom Take Early Lead in Men’s Weightlifting

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