The weightlifting events at the 2nd Niger Delta Games showcased immense strength and determination from all participants. Every category featured thrilling contests for bronze, silver, and gold medals, with athletes demonstrating top form across snatch, clean & jerk, and total lifts.

In the 88kg Men Total, Duru Destiny (Bayelsa) claimed bronze, Francis Onaifo (Edo) took silver, and Joseph Obinna (Abia) won gold.

For the 88kg Men Clean & Jerk, Duru Destiny (Bayelsa) earned bronze, Francis Onaifo (Edo) took silver, and Joseph Obinna (Abia) claimed gold.

In the 88kg Men Snatch, Duru Destiny (Bayelsa) finished with bronze, Joseph Obinna (Abia) took silver, and Francis Onaifo (Edo) secured gold.

In the 79kg Men Total, Chukwu Chibuike (Abia) won bronze, Mayowa Olajide (Ondo) took silver, and Thankgod Sunday (Edo) claimed gold.

For the 79kg Men Clean & Jerk, Chukwu Chibuike (Abia) earned bronze, Mayowa Olajide (Ondo) took silver, and Thankgod Sunday (Edo) secured gold.

In the 79kg Men Snatch, Mayowa Olajide (Ondo) finished bronze, Chukwu Chibuike (Abia) took silver, and Thankgod Sunday (Edo) won gold.

In the 69kg Women Total, Nwichi Ngozi (Abia) claimed bronze, Joy Godbless (Bayelsa) took silver, and Peace Osagie (Edo) won gold.

For the 69kg Women Clean & Jerk, Nwichi Ngozi (Abia) earned bronze, Joy Godbless (Bayelsa) took silver, and Peace Osagie (Edo) claimed gold.

In the 69kg Women Snatch, Nwichi Ngozi (Abia) finished bronze, Joy Godbless (Bayelsa) won silver, and Peace Osagie (Edo) secured gold.

In the 63kg Women Total, Asogwa Promise (Delta) took bronze, Abiola Olajumoke Islamiat (Edo) won silver, and Chinasa Chukwu (Rivers) earned gold.

For the 63kg Women Clean & Jerk, Asogwa Promise (Delta) earned bronze, Chinasa Chukwu (Rivers) took silver, and Abiola Olajumoke Islamiat (Edo) claimed gold.

In the 63kg Women Snatch, Asogwa Promise (Delta) finished bronze, Abiola Olajumoke Islamiat (Edo) took silver, and Chinasa Chukwu (Rivers) won gold.

In the 65kg Men Total, Okon Goodnews (Akwa Ibom) claimed bronze, Victory Mmadubuchi (Imo) took silver, and Goodnews Jacob (Edo) won gold.

For the 65kg Men Clean & Jerk, Okon Goodnews (Akwa Ibom) earned bronze, Chibuzur Emeka (Bayelsa) took silver, and Goodnews Jacob (Edo) secured gold.

In the 65kg Men Snatch, Okon Goodnews (Akwa Ibom) finished bronze, Victory Mmadubuchi (Imo) took silver, and Goodnews Jacob (Edo) won gold.

In the 53kg Women Total, Mboutidem Etim (Akwa Ibom) claimed bronze, Marvelous Chidirim (Abia) took silver, and Beauty Akpore (Edo) won gold.

For the 53kg Women Clean & Jerk, Mboutidem Etim (Akwa Ibom) earned bronze, Marvelous Chidirim (Abia) took silver, and Beauty Akpore (Edo) claimed gold.

In the 53kg Women Snatch, Mboutidem Etim (Akwa Ibom) finished bronze, Marvelous Chidirim (Abia) took silver, and Beauty Akpore (Edo) won gold.

In the 60kg Men Total, Obodomadu David (Delta) claimed bronze, Eze Vitalis (Abia) took silver, and Iniubong Ita (Akwa Ibom) won gold.

For the 60kg Men Clean & Jerk, Eze Vitalis (Abia) earned bronze, Obodomadu David (Delta) took silver, and Iniubong Ita (Akwa Ibom) secured gold.

In the 60kg Men Snatch, Obodomadu David (Delta) finished bronze, Iniubong Ita (Akwa Ibom) took silver, and Eze Vitalis (Abia) won gold.

In the 48kg Women Total, Moyinoluwa Adebusuyi (Ondo) claimed bronze, Christiana Ollorma (Rivers) took silver, and Esther Adebola (Edo) won gold.

For the 48kg Women Clean & Jerk, Odivwri Jennifer (Delta) earned bronze, Christiana Ollorma (Rivers) took silver, and Esther Adebola (Edo) claimed gold.

In the 48kg Women Snatch, Moyinoluwa Adebusuyi (Ondo) finished bronze, Christiana Ollorma (Rivers) took silver, and Esther Adebola (Edo) won gold.

The 2nd Niger Delta Games will end today, February 26, 2026, with the closing ceremony at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Brady Tkachuk is back with his Ottawa Senators, and he stood his ground when faced with a question about the viral moment when Team USA laughed at a joke by President Donald Trump about the women’s ice hockey team during a phone call after both teams won gold medals in Milan.

As players like Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman admitted, players “should have reacted differently.”

Tkachuk responded to a reporter’s question about the moment Trump said he would “have” to invite the women’s team, which also defeated Canada in the Olympics, to Tuesday’s State of the Union or else he “probably would be impeached.”

“Yeah, I get it,” Tkachuk said when a reporter asked if he understood that the women’s team felt displeased with the men’s team’s reaction. “I have no other comments other than for the things we can control. We supported them. They supported us. Can’t control what other people say.”

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Brady Tkachuk (7) and Matthew Tkachuk (19) of the United States celebrate after their game against Team Canada during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena Feb. 22, 2026. (Geoff Burke/Imagn Images)

Tkachuk added it was “fun” being around the women’s team while in Milan.

“It was fun seeing them play, fun to see the excellence they brought every single game and how they’re, by far, the best team in that tournament,” he said. “It was just fun seeing them after picking their brains. They were picking our brains, and it was just fun being around them.”

Tkachuk was asked a follow-up question about why he would laugh at Trump’s joke. Again, he stood his ground.

“It was a whirlwind of a moment. You can’t really control what somebody says, and I guess it caught [us] off guard a little bit,” he said. “I mean, when you’re talking to the president 10 minutes after you just achieved your dream, it’s just the fact that you’re talking to him, 

“You can’t really believe where your life is at where you’re talking to the president of the United States after you just won a gold medal.”

Tkachuk was with his U.S. teammates at Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday night, and the chamber gave the team a standing ovation as players showcased their Olympic gold medals

The women’s team declined an invitation to Washington, D.C., citing “previously scheduled academic and professional commitments.” Trump said at the State of the Union address that the women’s team will visit the White House “soon.”

Brady Tkachuk of the United States celebrates after winning the gold medal during the men’s gold medal match against Canada at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games Feb. 22, 2026, in Milan, Italy.  (Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)

USA Hockey responded to Trump’s suggestion that the team would be going to the White House. 

“Players are back competing with their professional and collegiate teams and are in the midst of their season,” a USA Hockey spokesperson told Front Office Sports. “They’re honored and grateful to be invited, and any opportunity to visit the White House as a team will be based on their schedules once their seasons conclude.”

While there’s been a divide on social media about the moment, Ellen Hughes, the mother of Jack and Quinn Hughes, who played a role in Team USA’s fate in Milan as a player development staff member with the women’s team, did not seem bothered by Trump’s comments.

“These players, both the men and women, can bring so much unity to a group and to a country,” she told “Today.” “People that cheered on that don’t watch hockey, people that have politics on one side or on the other side, and that’s all both the men’s team and the women’s team care about.

Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators during warmups before a game against the Nashville Predators Oct. 13, 2025, at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.  (André Ringuette/NHLI)

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“If you could see what we see from the inside, and the men and women sharing, you know, dorm rooms and halls and flex floors and the camaraderie and the synergy and the way the women cheered on the men and the way the men cheered on the women — that’s what it’s all about,” she added. 

“And the other things they cannot control. They care about humanity. They care about unity, and they care about the country.”

Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.

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Does an authentic video show Hilary Knight, captain of the 2026 gold medal-winning U.S. women’s hockey team, saying she was “mortified” for the U.S. men’s team? No, that’s not true: There is no evidence that Knight ever said that, but she did call President Donald Trump’s invitation to the White House a “distasteful joke.” Also, the creator of the original video labeled it as AI-generated.

The claim appeared in a post (archived here) on Facebook on February 25, 2026, and features a fake Knight saying:

I’m honestly mortified for the men’s hockey team. They won one gold medal and laughed like that in the locker room. I get why they’re excited. Their last Olympic gold was in 1980, basically as old as their parents. But us women, we won in 1998, 2018, and now 2026.

Gold medals don’t lie, but some people really think laughing in the locker room counts as strength. Since women’s hockey became an official Olympic event in 1998, we’ve made the finals every single time, winning eight Olympic medals, three gold, four silver, and one bronze. And them, they’ve been playing since 1920 and only managed to get three gold medals in more than 100 years. We did it in 28 years. What took them a century?

Honestly, I feel a little embarrassed for them. We’ve been on the championship stage for so long that we’re used to focusing on the ice, not on whatever someone says on a phone call. We won gold and had to deal with school, training, and work the next day. Meanwhile, they were busy flying around and snapping photos, like that was harder to get than the medal itself.

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We don’t have time to be mad. We’re too busy winning again, because the future of hockey isn’t going to wait for anyone.

This is what the post looked like on Facebook at the time of writing:

The full Facebook video can be watched here:

The US women have not made the finals every time, as the video claims. Their lone bronze medal means they lost once in the semifinals. In total, the U.S. men have won a dozen Olympic hockey medals since the sport started in 1920: three golds, eight silvers, and one bronze. The U.S women have medaled in all eight Olympic appearances since the sport was added in 1998 (archived here). In addition to gold in 1998, 2018, and 2026, the team won silver in 2002, 2010, 2014, and 2022; bronze in 2006 (archived here).

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Original video

The original video (archived here) was posted on TikTok on Feb. 25, 2026. A screenshot of the post below shows where it is tagged: “Creator labeled as AI-generated.” It’s circled in yellow with a red arrow pointing to it.

“Distasteful joke”

A Google News search (archived here) found no evidence that Knight ever used the term “mortified” in connection with the U.S. men’s hockey team.

Knight did, however, respond to questions on ESPN Sports Center about President Donald Trump’s phone call with the men’s team following their gold-medal victory on Feb. 22, 2026. During the call, Trump said he “probably would be impeached” if he didn’t invite the women to the White House, too. The women’s hockey team won gold at the Milan Cortina Olympics, too, just three days earlier, but didn’t get a call from the White House (archived here).

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“I thought it was sort of a distasteful joke and unfortunately that is overshadowing a lot of the success, the success of just women at the Olympics carrying for Team USA and having amazing gold medal feats,” Knight said on Feb. 25, 2026.

Wigan: Field; Eckersley, Keighran, Farrell, Marshall; French, Smith; Havard, O’Neill, Thompson, Nsemba, Walters, Ellis.

Replacements: Mago, Partington, Eseh, Forber.

Leigh: Hodgson; Senior, Niu, Brand, Charnley; Cook, Lam; Ofahengaue, Horne, Mulhern, Halton, Trout, Liu.

Replacements: Hughes, Davis, Alick-Wiencke, O’Brien.

Referee: Liam Moore.

Abhishek Sharma (Pic credit: BCCI)

CHENNAI: It was a day everything went according to plan for India, starting with South Africa’s easy win against West Indies in Ahmedabad earlier in the day. That result smoothed out the rough edges of this Super 8 Group 1 and meant India would just have to win their remaining games to safely book a semis berth. And against a team like Zimbabwe, which is not quite ready for a stage as big as this, Suryakumar’s boys did the needful. As thousands of mobiles flickered in the MA Chidambaram Stadium stands, India got their campaign back on track, winning by 72 runs and setting up a direct ‘quarterfinal’ against the West Indies at Eden Gardens on Sunday.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!With a pleasant evening breeze blowing across the Chepauk, the fans never stopped partying. They had their reasons. The much-loved Abhishek Sharma came back to some sort of form with a 30-ball 55, new CSK signing Sanju Samson punched a quickfire 24 and the entire middle order got some good hits on a batting beauty. Zimbabwe, though, did make things easier for India. From choosing to bowl after winning the toss to bowling pedestrian pacers in the Powerplay to dropping catches at crucial junctures, the African minnows were just the team India would have liked at this stage of the tournament.

Towards the back end, they kept delivering lollipops in trying for the yorker and were thrashed for 17 sixes in the process. A total of 256/4 was comfortably India’s highest in the T20 World Cup, going past their previous best of 218. It was way beyond Zimbabwe’s reach and they didn’t seem too interested in the chase. Zimbabwe instead chose to bat out the 20 overs and get some big-stage experience against top quality bowlers. Right-handed opener Brian Bennett (97 not out off 54 balls) played an innings of great quality that may stand him in good stead against some other opposition on some other day. But for now it’s the end of the road for Zimbabwe.The quality of opposition notwithstanding, India had to get the runs and all eyes were on the recycled opening partnership of Sanju and Abhishek.The left-hander, woefully out of form till now, wasn’t tested with off-spin, his nemesis so far in the tournament, in the Powerplay and he cashed in on it.

The blitz, though, was started by Samson, who punched a six off the back-foot over mid-off off left-arm pacer Richard Ngarava. Sanju was tested with short balls — he hit a few too — but fell to a similar delivery. However, with the score reading 48 off 3.4 overs, he had already done his job.Thereafter, it was Abhishek’s turn to show that the hard work put in by him at the nets on Tuesday would pay dividends. The southpaw kept his head still and didn’t try to pre-meditate his shots. He also didn’t show the pacers his stumps and didn’t look to charge down the track. Instead he held his shape, stayed in his crease and looked to play the ball straight. Of course, there was nothing in the Zimbabwe attack that was really challenging but the Punjab cricketer kept his side of the bargain.The crowd erupted in joy, the “Abhishek, Abhi-shek” chants grew louder as his beautifully crisp shots kept the scoreboard galloping. Even though India raced away to 80 in the Powerplay, Abhishek’s half-century, coming off 28 balls, was his second slowest in T20Is. Instead of looking for over-boundaries and power all the time, Abhishek didn’t mind the occasional boundary (4×4, 4×6). He played the field with great dexterity as India heaved a sigh of relief.

For reasons better known to Zimbabwe, skipper Sikandar Raza bowled only six overs of spin. He himself didn’t complete his quota despite dismissing Ishan Kishan while the other two shared three. They conceded 56 — a little over nine — while the pacers went anywhere between 10 to 20.Hardik (50* off 23 balls) and Tilak (44* off 16 balls), batting at No. 6, found themselves back in the flow. But things may get tougher going forward.

Trainer Chris Waller holds no illusions about toppling elite fillies Tempted and Apocalyptic but predicts gritty efforts from his charges Karinska and Panova in the Group One Surround Stakes at Randwick.

At lengthy double-figure odds for Saturday’s premier three-year-old contest, Waller seeks strong closing sections from both with the Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) firmly in sight for their following start.

Last spring’s Group 1 mile placer Karinska ran on well for fifth behind rival Savvy Hallie in the Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) and lurks as a $34 outsider continuing to evade much attention in the Surround.

“She is under-rated. That’s not saying she can beat those good horses, it’s a very good edition,” Waller said.

“We’re not expecting too much, but if she’s running top five than we’re on track to finding our own way somewhere.”

Her handler has nominated the March 14 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill – where fillies have delivered all eight of his 11-year haul of wins – as the immediate priority.

Panova, a $17 hope, matches that plan, making her Group 1 bow after powering home for Group 3 doubles in the Reginald Allen (1400m) and Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) to end spring.

Waller buzzes with anticipation for her career arc, keeping options alive for a crack at older rivals in the Coolmore Classic (1500m).

“She will go to the Phar Lap and the Vinery. If she was really impressive in the Phar Lap, she could go to the Coolmore,” he said.

“She is a really good horse. She was impressive in those two wins. She came from well back in each of them.”

“She is still carrying a bit of weight, but Saturday is a great starting point.”

James Mcdonald guided Panova through her two most recent trials and holds the booking aboard the unexposed filly Saturday.

Waller’s Surround Stakes history lacks his customary firepower, registering triumphs only with Hinged in 2022 and Lady Shenandoah last year.

Secure the top racing betting markets for the Surround Stakes across premier betting sites.

By Nsikakabasi Akpan

Since arriving in Edo State on February 19, 2026, I have been closely following the 2nd Niger Delta Games. Before coming, I wondered how the organisers, Dunamis-Icon Limited, sponsored by The Niger Delta Commission, would manage to maintain the high standard set at the maiden edition in Akwa Ibom.

I must admit, I feared that the flashes of brilliance we witnessed in Akwa Ibom, the transparency, the excellent officiating, the accurate medal computations, the welfare of athletes, and the prompt release of medal tables, might have been just a one-off. From my experience, I knew the challenge ahead for the organisers was not small.

As the 2nd Niger Delta Games draws to a close in Edo State today, I can confidently say that the organisers have not only met expectations, they have taught us important lessons.

First, they have shown that it is possible to treat athletes well. From the warmth and convenience provided to states to transport their athletes, to the comfortable accommodations and support throughout the competitions, the organisers demonstrated that athlete welfare is a priority.

Second, they have proved that it is possible to bring together officials and ensure competitions are conducted with fairness and integrity. Watching referees and judges officiate without bias and without undermining other competitions was truly exemplary.

Third, they have shown that medal computation can be done correctly and transparently. Every medal table was accurate, with winners’ names listed correctly, and updates were released on time. This level of organisation sets a standard for sports administration across the country.

As we approach the closing ceremony at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Edo State lead the medal standing with 102 medals (50 Gold, 30 Silver and 22 Bronze), with Delta State in second place with 91 medals (34 Gold, 26 Silver, 31 Bronze). 1st edition winners Bayelsa State occupy third place with 66 medals (23 Gold, 20 Silver and 23 Bronze). Akwa Ibom complete the top four with 47 medals  (12 Gold, 15 Silver and 20 Bronze).

As we wind down in Benin City, I can only applaud the organisers and their sponsors for a job well done. More importantly, I hope this standard is maintained for future editions. The Niger Delta Games have proven that with proper planning, transparency, and care for athletes, regional sports competitions can reach new heights, and we all stand to benefit from it.

Let this standard continue. We want it to continue.

Conor Benn’s former promoter, Eddie Hearn, has weighed in on his recently announced fight against Regis Prograis.

Benn made headlines last week when he announced a move away from Hearn’s Matchroom to sign a one-fight, mega-money deal with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing.

He had been regarded as a lifelong Matchroom fighter due to his close relationship with Hearn, who staunchly defended the 29-year-old after two failed doping tests left his reputation in tatters.

Pair that with the fact Hearn has openly recognised White as a serious rival in the sport, some feel that the way Benn handled the move was unfair. Having said that, others recognise that the reported $15M purse for this one bout was reason enough.

Following some speculation, it was announced today that Benn will take up the co-main event spot on the Tyson Fury versus Arslanbek Makhmudov card at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11, streamed live on Netflix.

In the opposite corner will be two-time super-lightweight world champion, Prograis, who is coming off a points win against Jojo Diaz last August. The 37-year-old former two-time world champion from New Orleans has lost to Josh Taylor, Devin Haney and Jack Catterall, and operates naturally at 140lbs.

Speaking to Boxing King Media, Hearn asked what weight the fight would take place at, considering Benn fought Chris Eubank Jr twice at 160 and has said he will now drop back down to 147. He said 150lbs – the agreed catchweight – suits his ex charge.

“150? It’s good for Conor to try and bring himself down [from 160].”

The British promoter – who says he is happy for Benn to receive ‘life-changing’ money for a fight at this level – sees nothing but a Benn win.

“I like Regis. You saw in the Jojo Diaz fight he’s not the fighter that he once was. He’s still a decent fighter, but Conor should be much too fresh.

“It was never a fight that we were looking at because I was trying to deliver him a world championship fight. But, as a treading water fight, if you like… It’s going to be weird to see him on an undercard, but I don’t think he’ll be that bothered when he gets paid.”

Finally, discussing the purse, Hearn highlighted perhaps a rising issue for Zuffa Boxing and TKO – namely what UFC fighters think of the inflated purses compared to their own financial reward.

“Let’s just see what the UFC fighters have got to say … It’s an interesting one. It’s a problem for them.”

Benn is currently WBC number one challenger at welterweight, and has made it clear he will target a fight against new champion Ryan Garcia later in the year. Whether it happens, and indeed under which promotional banner, remains to be seen.

The San Antonio Spurs won their 11th consecutive game on Thursday with a 126-110 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. With their next game scheduled for Sunday, the Spurs finished the month of February undefeated. San Antonio’s last defeat was on Jan. 31, a 111-106 loss to the Charlotte Hornets.

The 11-game winning streak is the third-longest in the NBA this season, following the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 16 straight wins and the Detroit Pistons’ 13 consecutive wins. The run is also the second-longest streak in Spurs history after winning 13 straight during the 2015-16 season.

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Coupled with the Thunder’s loss to the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, the Spurs are now only 1.5 games back from the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. The two teams don’t play each other again for the remainder of the regular season. San Antonio has 23 games left, while Oklahoma City has 22.

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Julian Champagnie led the Spurs with 26 points (shooting 6-of-9 on 3-pointers), 3 steals and 2 blocks. Stephon Castle followed with 18 points, making 10-of-12 free throws. Devin Vassell scored 14 points, hitting 4-of-7 3s, with 7 rebounds and 5 assists. And Victor Wembanyama finished with 12 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks as San Antonio improved to 43-16.

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Champagnie said “it means everything” to return to New York, where he played college basketball at St. John’s and grew up on Staten Island, and have a great game in front of hometown fans. He told the Spurs TV broadcast team that he had to buy 17 tickets for family and friends.

San Antonio ran out to a 36-22 lead in the first quarter, led by 13 points from Castle. Brooklyn opened the third quarter with a 13-4 run that cut its deficit to 75-69 with 8:34 remaining in the frame. But the Spurs closed out the quarter by outscoring the Nets 29-15.

“It feels like the players are finding different ways to win,” Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said after the game, via the San Antonio Express News. “That’s a sign of growth.”

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Brooklyn was led by Michael Porter Jr.’s 25 points and 14 rebounds, while Danny Wolf and Day’Ron Sharpe each contributed 14 points off the bench. With the loss, the Nets dropped to 15-43, the second-worst record in the East and third-worst in the NBA.

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The 11-0 February was the third undefeated month in Spurs history and first since a 16-0 March during the 2013-14 season.

The Spurs next face the Knicks at Madison Square Garden for a nationally televised Sunday matinee at 1 p.m ET. By then, they could be within a game of the Thunder, who host the Denver Nuggets on Friday.