Amb Ogbonna Salutes Imo Athletes’ Heroics As First Gold Sparks Medal Surge At Edo 2026 Niger Delta Games

The Chairman of the Imo State Sports Commission, Hon. Prince Sir (Amb.) Eleazer Onyewuchi Ogbonna FINCA, has showered glowing praises on Team Imo athletes for their inspiring performances at the ongoing 2nd Niger Delta Games in Benin City, Edo State, following the state’s breakthrough gold medal and impressive rise on the medal table.

In a statement issued through his media office, Amb. Ogbonna described the athletes as “true ambassadors of the Eastern Heartland” whose resilience, discipline and hunger for success have begun to yield remarkable results on the regional stage.

Sunday, February 22, 2026 will remain memorable for Team Imo as Akubueze Martin Awunezie powered his way to glory in the Men’s 65kg Para Powerlifting event, lifting a commanding 155kg to clinch the state’s first gold medal of the Games. The feat ignited renewed momentum within the camp and set the tone for a flurry of podium finishes.

Also, Team Imo’s Gerald Ukandu clinched gold medal in the Boys’ Discus event at the ongoing Niger Delta Games in Benin, Edo State, marking the state’s second gold medal of the competition.

Reacting to the development, Amb. Ogbonna hailed Awunezie’s triumph as a symbol of the indomitable “Spartans spirit” that defines Imo athletes.

“This gold medal is not just a victory for Akubueze Martin Awunezie, but a statement of intent from Imo State. Our athletes have demonstrated courage, resilience and the heart of champions. They are the future stars of our state and our nation,” Ogbonna stated.

The Chairman further lauded the team’s growing medal tally, which stands at nine — one gold, three silver and five bronze, describing it as evidence of strategic investment in youth and sports development.

Team Imo’s athletics contingent also delivered commendable performances, with Ifechukwu Esther Nwankwo claiming silver in the women’s 400m hurdles in a time of 62.24 seconds, while Blessing Ukaoha had earlier opened the medal account with a podium finish in the shot put event.

In Para Powerlifting, Eugenia Chioma Enwere secured silver in the Women’s 45kg category with a 70kg lift, while Nkemjika Cletus Iwuoha (Men’s 72kg, 145kg), Ujunwa Chinyere Obianuju (Women’s 86+kg, 90kg), and Kasarachi Maryjane Ugochukwu (Women’s 67kg, 82kg) all powered their way to bronze medals.

Wisdom Metu (Taekwondo, Men’s 58kg) and Christogonus Umeyor (Traditional Wrestling, Men’s 62kg) also added bronze medals to cap off a productive outing for the state.

Amb. Ogbonna attributed the steady rise of Imo sports to the unwavering support of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, Governor of Imo State, noting that the administration’s “Shared Prosperity” agenda continues to create opportunities for youth empowerment through sports.

“Governor Hope Uzodimma’s commitment to youth development through sports is yielding visible results. The ‘Shared Prosperity’ mantra is not just a slogan; it is a working vision that is transforming lives and positioning our young talents for greatness,” he emphasized.

Encouraging the athletes to remain focused, the Sports Commission boss charged Team Imo to aim higher as the Games progress.

“This is only the beginning. I urge our athletes to keep believing, keep pushing, and go for more gold. Imo State is proud of you, and we are confident that you will continue to make us proud.”

With medal hopes still alive in several events, Team Imo remains determined to surpass its previous outing in Uyo and further cement its reputation as a rising sporting powerhouse in the Niger Delta region.