Team Akwa Ibom weightlifters have expressed their delight after winning nine medals at the 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.
The trio of Goodness Samuel Okon, Destiny Okon Bassey, and Emmanuel Essienubong each won three medals in their respective categories to make up the impressive haul.
Speaking to Team Akwa Ibom Media Unit after receiving their medals on Monday, September 1, 2025, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, the athletes described their performance as a “satisfactory outing.”
Goodness Samuel Okon, who secured three gold medals, said:
“I am very happy. I came here expecting to win gold medals, having worked so hard in training. The goal is to work harder, win more medals, and reach the level of Edidiong Umoaffia, who is currently making Nigeria proud.”
Destiny Okon Bassey, who claimed two golds and one bronze said:
“I am satisfied with the two golds and one bronze won here. I want to say thank you to my coach, Margaret, for her efforts in training to get us ready. I believe this is a foundation for more success.”
For Emmanuel Essienubong, who won two silver medals and one bronze, the results were encouraging, though he is determined to do better. He said:
“I feel good with my performance. I know I could have done better, and so I will take the lessons to future championships. Winning medals in weightlifting was my dream, and so I will continue chasing to get gold.”
Coach Margaret Uwah praised her lifters and expressed her gratitude to the state government for their support. She said:
“I am hundred percent satisfied with the nine-medal feat here at the Youth Games. In fact, our joy is complete. These youngsters have made us proud, and I see them growing to achieve international recognition. I want to send special appreciation to the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, for his support for sports development. Also to our ‘Daddy’, the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, it gives us joy to make him proud with our achievements at this National Youth Games.”
The nine-medal success has lifted Team Akwa Ibom’s campaign in Asaba, with the athletes and officials confident of building on the foundation for future national and international victories.