Edo Crowned Champions of Maiden Governor Alex Otti National Senior Judo Championship

Posted : 07 November 2026

Edo State emerged overall champions of the maiden Governor Alex Otti National Senior Judo Championship after an impressive performance at the three-day competition in Umuahia, Abia State.

The championship concluded on Wednesday, November 4, at the Umuahia Township Stadium. It was organised by the Nigeria Judo Federation (NJF) in collaboration with the Abia State Government as part of efforts to promote the development of judo and discover emerging talents across the country.

More than 250 judokas representing 15 states and five clubs participated in the competition. Athletes competed across different weight categories, with several states battling for honours and recognition at the national event.

Edo State dominated the medal standings with 11 medals, comprising four gold, three silver and four bronze. Their impressive overall collection secured them the championship title ahead of Akwa Ibom State, who finished second with nine medals, including four gold, two silver and three bronze.

Despite matching Edo's gold medal tally, Akwa Ibom could not claim the overall title after falling behind in the total medal count.

Rivers State secured third position with four medals, comprising two gold, one silver and one bronze. Emmy Star finished fourth with four medals, including one gold, two silver and one bronze, while Enugu State occupied fifth position with five medals, comprising one gold, one silver and three bronze.

Host state Abia finished sixth with one gold, one silver and two bronze medals.

The organisers also rewarded outstanding performances, with the top three athletes in each weight category receiving cash prizes of ₦250,000, ₦150,000 and ₦100,000 respectively.

Speaking after the competition, Acting Technical Director of the Nigeria Judo Federation, Sule Musa, praised the Abia State Government and its people for successfully hosting the championship.

He also acknowledged the contributions of the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, alongside the International Judo Federation (IJF), towards improving the administration and development of the sport in Nigeria.

Musa described the competition as an important platform for identifying promising athletes and providing them with the exposure needed to improve their competitive standards.

He noted that several emerging judokas demonstrated considerable potential during the tournament, expressing confidence that Nigerian athletes could compete favourably against their North African counterparts with adequate preparation, institutional support and quality leadership.

The federation also disclosed plans to introduce a sustainable development roadmap focusing on grassroots participation, talent identification, coach and referee education, improved technical standards and increased international exposure.

Meanwhile, Governor Alex Otti pledged continued support for the championship, describing sports as an important avenue for youth engagement and empowerment. The state also expressed readiness to host larger international judo competitions in the future.

Edo Crowned Champions of Maiden Governor Alex Otti National Senior Judo Championship

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