Team Edo has continued to make the state proud with impressive performances across major sporting competitions in Abuja and Asaba, a development the Edo State Sports Commission has attributed to Governor Monday Okpebholo’s renewed investment in grassroots sports development.
The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, commended the athletes and coaches following the state’s outstanding performances at the National Open Championship in Abuja, the 4th South-South Under-13 Badminton Tournament in Asaba, and the 2026 FIDE World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship in Abuja.
At the National Open Championship for traditional sports in Abuja, Team Edo emerged overall champions, winning eight gold and four silver medals across Ayo, Dambe and Kokowa.
The state also recorded remarkable success at the 4th South-South Under-13 Badminton Tournament in Asaba, where Achinbong Joel won gold in the boys’ singles and mixed doubles events, while Ita Bright also secured gold in mixed doubles.
In chess, Edo-born talent Miss Omoruyi Sandra further raised the state’s profile after emerging champion in the Women’s Under-2000 Rapid and Blitz categories at the 2026 FIDE World Amateur Championship in Abuja.
Sandra’s latest achievement adds to her growing list of successes, having previously won a gold medal for Team Edo at the 2nd Niger Delta Games in Benin City.
Enabulele said the athletes’ performances were evidence that sustained investment in talent identification, training and grassroots sports development was beginning to yield significant results for the state.
According to him, the achievements also demonstrate the effectiveness of the Governor’s “Catch Them Young” initiative, which is aimed at identifying and nurturing sporting talents from an early age.
“Under Governor Monday Okpebholo, we are witnessing a renewed commitment to grassroots sports development. These achievements show that when young talents are identified, nurtured and supported, they can excel and bring honour to Edo State and Nigeria.
“We are proud of Team Edo and will continue to provide platforms for our athletes to develop, compete and excel,” Enabulele said.
The Sports Commission chairman, through his Media Aide, Edoko Wilson Edoko, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to creating more opportunities for young athletes across the state, noting that the recent successes have further strengthened Edo’s position as a growing force in Nigerian sports.
