13-Year-Old Hephzibah Okon Wins 800m Gold at 2nd Niger Delta Games
Hephzibah Okon, 13, stunned spectators with a commanding run to win gold in the women’s 800m at the ongoing 2nd Niger Delta Games in Benin, Edo state.
Coached by her father, Filipidis, Okon crossed the line in 2:18.83 ahead of Godsmind Eteny of Cross River State, who took silver in 2:19.01, and Delta’s Anochie Rejoice, who claimed bronze in 2:20.28.
In the men’s 800m final, Edo’s Solomon Eloghosa powered to gold with a time of 1:56.74, narrowly edging Samson Teibowei, who finished in 1:56.84 for silver. Timilehin Owolabi of Ondo secured bronze in 1:57.71.
The 400m hurdles produced more drama as Oseiwe Salami stormed to victory in 51.73 seconds, earning gold ahead of Delta State’s Daniel Ovie, who clocked 53.79, and Ifeanyi Endurance, who finished in 56.26.
Delta State’s Mary Innocent, just 19 years old, delivered another highlight by smashing her personal best to win the women’s 400m hurdles in 59.87 seconds.
Her performance not only secured gold but also marked a breakthrough moment in her career. Esther Ikechukwu of Imo finished second in 62.24, while Emediong Sunday of Akwa Ibom took third in 62.54.
The Niger Delta Games continue to showcase emerging talent and thrilling performances, with young athletes like Okon and Innocent signaling a bright future for Nigerian athletics.
