Rivers Wrestlers and Taekwondoists Impress in State Trials, Eye Podium Glory at 2nd Niger Delta Games

Team Rivers athletes are showing impressive form as preparations intensify for the 2nd Niger Delta Games (Edo 2026), with state trials in wrestling and taekwondo thrilling spectators at the Alfred Diette-Spiff Sports Complex in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

In the morning session, female wrestler Cynthia Phillip, competing in the 58kg category, punched her ticket to Benin and declared her determination to win gold.

Making her debut at the Games, the confident youngster said: ‘Expect nothing but Gold from me in Benin. I believe I can do it because of my determination. It won’t be easy but I know I can do it. I am going for the Gold.’

Her teammate, Precious Edwin, nicknamed ‘Small Pepper,’ will contest in the 63kg weight class. Having competed at the inaugural edition in Uyo, Edwin said his past disappointment has fueled his hunger for success this time.

‘I think I’ve put in the hard work and I’m totally locked in on this. I’ve trained a lot for this and I know I’ll win a Gold medal there. The trials have been positive for me as I defeated my two opponents today.

‘The coaches have also been working hard with us to see that we arrive in Benin in optimum conditions. It will not be easy, but the idea is to go there and make Rivers State proud,” he said.

Head coach of the wrestling team, Iyowuna Levi, explained that 12 wrestlers were selected after a rigorous process across all 23 local government areas of the state.

‘We have scoured everywhere to get the best wrestlers to represent us in Benin. I am excited and full of hope. Our wrestlers will make a bold statement,’ Levi said.

Later in the evening, taekwondo trials produced seven athletes, three females and four males, after a competitive session.

Assistant coach Robert George outlined the selection criteria, noting that age and Olympic weight classes were considered, alongside direct competition results.

‘The trials are a very important prerequisite as we pair the athletes and select the best,’ he explained.

Team Rivers’ head of coaching, Michael Okereke, monitored both sessions closely and expressed confidence in the athletes’ readiness.

‘We have high hopes of going to Edo State and making Rivers State proud. From all I’ve seen, athletes and coaches are putting in their best in different sports. It is my belief that their best will be good enough for Rivers State,’ he said.

The 2026 Niger Delta Games, sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), will run from February 20 to 27 in Benin City, featuring 17 sports across the Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and other venues.