Sports
What Happened in Boxing on Saturday
The boxing events at the 2nd Niger Delta Games on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State, produced thrilling and fierce contests, with a lot of talent on display from across the region.
In the preliminary rounds, the female 51kg bout saw Sarah Victory of Bayelsa State defeat Kelechi Anita Amarachi of Abia State, while in the female 60kg category, Naomi Alexander of Akwa Ibom beat Okugumi Destiny of Delta State. In the male 60kg preliminaries, Pender Victorious of Delta State overcame Oji Chibuike of Imo State, and in the male 70kg category, Christian Umoren of Akwa Ibom defeated Adu Kolawole of Ondo State.
The quarterfinals featured exciting battles across multiple weight classes. In the female 51kg category, Obaseki Esosa of Edo State beat Okorie Princess of Imo State, while Teniola Odunayo Buliyaminu of Ondo State defeated Okolo Victory of Delta State. Future David of Akwa Ibom also advanced, defeating Henshaw Baomi of Rivers State.
In the male 60kg category, Princewill Effiong of Akwa Ibom defeated Howells Emmanuel, while Akimusere Gbenga of Ondo State overcame Gabriel Asuquo of Cross River State.
The female 54kg category was also competitive. Ighomi Victory of Delta State defeated Osareti Victory of Edo State, Happiness Gift of Cross River State beat Abai Opeyemi of Ondo State, and Thompson Thiery of Imo State overcame Ejeje Emmanuela of Cross River State. Adoki Victoria of Rivers State defeated Uwakmfon Umoren of Akwa Ibom in another notable bout. In the male 65kg contest, Jedidiah Bassey of Akwa Ibom beat Solomon Destiny of Bayelsa State.
The day’s bouts highlighted the depth of boxing talent in the region, with close contests and impressive displays of skill, technique, and determination from all participating states.
The boxing competitions at the 2nd Niger Delta Games will continue on Sunday, with athletes aiming to progress further and add medals for their states.
The second Niger Delta Games is organised by Dunamis-Icon Limited and fully sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).