Team Bayelsa has arrived in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, ahead of the much-anticipated MTN Champs Athletics Finals, set to run over four days of intense competition. The contingent, made up of 19 athletes, is geared up to compete across multiple age categories—Senior, Junior (U-20), Youth (U-17), and Cadet (U-14)—in both track and field events.
The Bayelsa athletes will be gunning for glory in sprint and middle-distance events including the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, relay races, and the long jump.
Leading the charge are top sprinters Daje Lucky, Sophia Efetobore, and young sensation Ebimoboere Christopher—all of SamKay Athletics Academy—who are already in Uyo to defend their titles in the 100m and 200m events. Middle-distance standout Samson Teibowei, a silver medalist in the Benin edition of the MTN Champs, is aiming to upgrade to gold in the 800m Junior category.
SamKay Athletics Academy, which has played a pivotal role in developing grassroots talent, is sponsoring 11 athletes at this year’s finals.
The full Team Bayelsa roster includes: Perezide Sigah, Sophia Efetobore, Sarah Lori, Daje Lucky, Shalom George, Augustine Ezeruike, Bright Benson, Isaac Miracle, Paebi Gabriel, Ebimoboere Christopher, Gift Allison, Faith Ezechukwu, Ebikiemo Ikaido, Clement Lucky, Samson Teibowei, Tokoni Itu, Goodluck Johnbull, Bariweni Godgift, and Goodluck Kabowei.
Veteran coach Richard Torugbene leads the technical team, supported by the experienced Maurice Terimoh. Bayelsa will be looking to replicate their impressive performance in the March edition held in Benin City, where the state’s senior team emerged overall champions.
