Uyo, Akwa Ibom – April 6, 2025
Team Bayelsa proved its supremacy on the water as its canoeing athletes clinched a total of 6 medals (4 gold, 2 silver) at the just-concluded Niger Delta Sports Festival 2025, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. With powerful strokes, precision timing, and expert coordination, the state’s paddlers made waves in both individual and team events, securing top finishes across multiple distances.
Medal Tally – Canoeing (Bayelsa State)
| Athlete Name | Event | Medal |
|---|---|---|
| Goodluck Kingsley Lawrence | 200m Canoe Men Single | 🥇 Gold |
| 500m Canoe Men Single | 🥇 Gold | |
| 500m Canoe Men Double (w/ Timbiri) | 🥇 Gold | |
| Education Timbiri | 500m Canoe Men Double (w/ Lawrence) | 🥇 Gold |
| Tubolayefa Joy Sawyer | 500m Canoe Women Single | 🥇 Gold |
| 200m Canoe Women Single | 🥈 Silver | |
| 500m Canoe Women Double (w/ Beke) | 🥈 Silver | |
| Esther Beke | 500m Canoe Women Double (w/ Sawyer) | 🥈 Silver |
Total Medals Won (Bayelsa – Canoeing)
- 🥇 Gold: 4
- 🥈 Silver: 2
This impressive medal haul highlights Bayelsa’s continued strength in water sports, particularly in canoeing, where teamwork and endurance are key to success.
Coaching Team – Bayelsa Canoeing
- Inifa Gagbe – Head Coach
- Waripamoere Igirani – Assistant Coach
Their tactical brilliance and commitment to athlete development played a vital role in preparing the canoeing squad for a dominant showing on the national stage.
A Festival to Remember
The canoeing events were one of the most scenic and anticipated attractions at the festival, drawing spectators and dignitaries to the waterfront venue. Team Bayelsa’s fluid paddling techniques, stamina, and synchronization drew loud cheers and widespread acclaim.
With this stellar outing, Bayelsa continues to cement its status as a powerhouse in water sports, and its athletes are now set to take on future national and international competitions with renewed confidence.
