Imo State athletes remain in the hunt for more medals on the final day of the 9th National Youth Games (NYG) in Asaba, Delta State, after receiving a morale-boosting financial gift from the State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Obinna Onyeocha.
The Girls’ Abula team produced a commanding performance to defeat Team FCT 2-1 in the final, sealing Imo’s third gold medal of the tournament while maintaining an unbeaten run throughout the competition.
The Boys’ Abula side, however, settled for silver after falling to a disciplined Team Bayelsa, who once again proved too strong in the final.
Imo State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Obinna Onyeocha who witnessed the two finals from the start to the finish immediately rewarded the athletes with financial gift after he had encouraged them for being good ambassadors of the state.
Reacting to the victory, Hon. Onyeocha praised the resilience of the girls and expressed his confidence in their success:
“We knew they were going to win because from the first round, they pressed the Delta team and did very well. I was expecting a straight-set victory, but Delta picked up at some point. However, because we have good athletes, we eventually won. I knew they would win.”
The triumph adds to Imo’s growing medal tally, with the Boys’ cricket team earlier securing gold after overpowering Team Edo in the T6 Cricket final. Their first gold had come in Shooting, underlining Imo’s strength across multiple disciplines.
A delighted Onyeocha described the achievements as a reflection of the athletes’ quality and preparation:
“I am so happy, and I am sure the entire Imolites are also happy, having seen the result. We went with good athletes, and finally, they delivered gold. We are so happy, and I am sure we will get more.”
Team Imo is still chasing more medals in Kickboxing and Athletics in the last day of the 9th National Youth Games.
So far, Team Imo has amassed three gold, eight silver, and five bronze medals, firmly announcing their presence in Asaba.
