Bayelsa State Reigns Supreme in Wrestling at the Niger Delta Sports Festival 2025
UYO, Nigeria — The wrestling arena at the 2025 Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo became a battleground of champions, where power, precision, and pride collided in a breathtaking three-day showdown. Leading the charge was the Bayelsa State wrestling team, whose athletes grappled their way to the top of the medal table with unmatched intensity and skill.
Day-by-Day Breakdown of the Wrestling Action in Uyo
Day 1: Freestyle Fireworks
The opening day set the tone with thrilling women’s and men’s events. In the 50kg Women’s Wrestling, Edo’s Peace Paul claimed gold, while Bayelsa’s Kurumiyefa Titi struck first in the 57kg Male Freestyle, delivering a golden performance that ignited Bayelsa’s medal chase.
Also victorious was Stephen Simon (Bayelsa) in the 65kg category, combining explosive power with technical brilliance to claim gold and energize the team’s spirit.
Day 2: Golden Momentum for Bayelsa
Bayelsa’s momentum surged as Tarilayefa Bekefunwa powered her way to gold in the 57kg Women’s Wrestling, outclassing her competitors with grace and dominance.
In the 86kg Male Freestyle, Solomon Ulabo of Bayelsa bulldozed through the bracket, showcasing why he’s a name to remember in Nigerian wrestling. Though Ondo State showed grit, especially with Asaolu Esther’s gold in the 62kg category, Bayelsa remained firmly in control.
Day 3: Bayelsa Seals the Wrestling Crown
Day 3 was nothing short of a coronation for Bayelsa’s wrestling warriors. From the sleek dominance of Ebipatei Mughenbofa in the 68kg Women’s Wrestling to the heavyweight thunder brought by Newlife Ebikeme (97kg) and Harrison Onovwiomogbohwo (125kg), Bayelsa left no doubts—they were the true kings and queens of the mat.
Final Wrestling Medal Table – Niger Delta Sports Festival 2025
| 🏅 Rank | State | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1st | Bayelsa | 7 | 3 | 1 | 11 |
| 🥈 2nd | Ondo | 2 | 5 | 1 | 8 |
| 🥉 3rd | Rivers | 2 | 2 | 6 | 10 |
| 4th | Edo | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| 5th | Delta | 0 | 1 | 4 | 5 |
| 6th | Imo | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 |
| 7th | Cross River | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| 8th | Abia | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| 9th | Akwa Ibom | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Top Performers from the Wrestling Mat
- Stephen Simon (Bayelsa, 65kg Freestyle) – A dominant force with championship composure.
- Tarilayefa Bekefunwa (Bayelsa, 57kg Women) – Dynamic and dangerous, she owned the mat.
- Newlife Ebikeme (Bayelsa, 97kg) – Power-packed and precise, a rising Nigerian wrestling star.
- Asaolu Esther (Ondo, 62kg) – Ondo’s gold medal gem with elite technical mastery.
Why Bayelsa Was Unstoppable in Uyo
Bayelsa’s wrestling team stood out for their strategic training, elite endurance, and unmatched mat IQ. Their technical team, discipline, and depth across weight classes made them a near-impenetrable force. With seven gold medals, they didn’t just win—they redefined wrestling excellence in the Niger Delta.
Conclusion: Bayelsa Wrestling Champions Lead Niger Delta Into a New Era
The 2025 edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival showcased more than regional competition—it was a celebration of athletic spirit, unity, and the growing legacy of freestyle wrestling in Nigeria. And at the heart of that legacy now stands Bayelsa State, the new wrestling capital of the Niger Delta.
