Story by Fayobi Adedoyin
Team Delta delivered another commanding performance on the track at the second Niger Delta Games, as Ejiro Peter completed a sprint double while Cross River claimed both 1500m titles in Benin City.
Competing at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Ejiro Peter stormed to victory in the girls’ 200 metres, clocking 23.65 seconds to secure her second gold medal of the Games. She had earlier won the 100 metres over the weekend, confirming her status as one of the standout athletes of the competition.
After her latest triumph, Ejiro appreciated her coach for encouraging her to compete in the 200m, a decision that ultimately paid off with a memorable double.
In the boys’ 200 metres final, Osama Chibueze also made it a golden outing for Delta State, finishing in 21.42 seconds to beat the field and clinch the title. The young sprinter, who competed with an injury, expressed his excitement after the race and stated his ambition to represent Nigeria in the future.
While Delta dominated the sprint events, Team Cross River took centre stage in the middle-distance races with an impressive double of their own in the 1500 metres.
Asuquo Emmanuel produced a tactically disciplined performance to win the men’s 1500m in 4:20.32, controlling the pace before pulling away in the closing stages. In the women’s 1500m final, Eteng Godsmind displayed endurance and composure to cross the line in 4:52.47, sealing another gold medal for Cross River State.
Their victories significantly boosted Cross River’s medal tally and underlined the state’s strength in middle-distance events.
So far, 11 out of the 16 sporting events at the second Niger Delta Games have been concluded, with the remaining five expected to wrap up between today and tomorrow.
After five days of competition, host state Edo State currently tops the overall medals table, ahead of Delta and Bayelsa State.
The Games will officially come to an end on Thursday, with the closing ceremony scheduled for 5pm.
