Over 200 Youths Compete to Represent Bayelsa at National Youth Games in Asaba
Bayelsa State witnessed a thrilling display of young athletic talent as over 200 budding athletes gathered at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa for a one-day Under-15 trial meet. The event, organized by the Bayelsa Athletics Association, served as the official selection platform for athletes heading to the National Youth Games in Asaba, scheduled from August 26 to September 6, 2025.
The meet featured a full slate of track events—100m, 400m, 800m, 1500m—and field contests including long jump, high jump, and shot put, with a demonstration of 100m hurdles adding flair to the day.
Sprint Stars Shine Bright
In the 100m girls’ final, rising star Ebimoboere Christopher blazed to victory in 12.52 seconds, edging out Paebi Gabriel (12.65 sec) and Emmanuela Iga (13.42 sec).
On the boys’ side, Godfrey Amalala proved unstoppable, clocking 11.67 seconds to take gold ahead of Ebimotimi Peretimi (11.96 sec) and Sinivie Deme (12.15 sec).
In the 400m, Sunshine Alex claimed the girls’ title in 1:07.22, while Deme bounced back from his third-place sprint finish to win the boys’ race in 56.68 seconds.
Success Okechi (5:06.88) and Victory Innocent (5:41.00) triumphed in the boys and girls 1500m events, respectively.
Field Events Produce Future Prospects
- Long Jump Winners: Chidera Uzubuenyi (boys) and Paebi Gabriel (girls)
- High Jump Champions: Godfrey Amalala (boys) and Tolomoere Moses (girls)
- Shot Put Gold Medalists: Joseph Righteous (boys) and Mienseigha Divine (girls)
Promising Future for Bayelsa Athletics
Vice Chairman of the Bayelsa Athletics Association, Dr. Kolawole Oredipe—who also serves as an Auditor with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria—applauded the performance of the young athletes. He expressed confidence that the level of competition reflects a growing culture of excellence in sports development across the state.
Bayelsa’s future in athletics looks brighter than ever, with raw talent stepping into the spotlight and preparing to carry the state’s banner at the upcoming National Youth Games.
