NSF Delta 2022: Anambra finish 14th on the log to create new record
By Ikenna Nwokedi
Anambra State finished 14th on the medals’ table at the just concluded 21st edition of the National Sports Festival (NSF) hosted by Delta State which was held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba.
The state contingent consisting of 204 athletes and 45 officials finished with a total of 39 medals; 6 Gold, 9 Silver and 24 Bronze to surpass her previous record of 6 Gold, 9 Silver and 22 Bronze medals fom the last edition held in Edo State in 2021 where the state finished 17th on the medals’ table.
The November 28th to December 10th, 2022, Nigeria’s version of the Olympics saw Team Anambra competed for honours in Kung Fu, Karate, Kickboxing, Taekwondo, Judo, Wrestling, Boxing, Weightlifting, Powerlifting, Para-Athletics, Basketball, Badminton, Scrabble, Chess, Gymnastics, Tennis, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Swimming, Cricket, Football, Handball, Deaf table tennis and Beach Volleyball.
Meanwhile, the host Delta State emerged champions of the 2022 edition of the NSF wiith a total of 648 medals; 320 gold, 200 silver and 128 bronze. Bayelsa state finished second on the log with 337 medals; 132 gold, 118 silver and 90 bronze with Edo State finishing third on the grid with 339 medals; 78 gold, 94 silver and 167 bronze.
At the colourful closing ceremony held on Saturday, 10th December 2022 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium Asaba, the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Sunday Dare stated that the 21st NSF brought about an awesome time of competition, bringing the best of young talents in Nigeria together and giving them the platform to showcase their sporting prowess.
Dare also disclosed that the next edition, the 22nd will be hosted by Ogun State in two years time, he commended the Delta State Government and all participating states for making this year’s edition a memorable one.
All states in the federation featured at the festival with Zamfara the only state which failed to win a medal. A total of 2652 medals was won at the 21st NSF; 791 Gold, 790 Silver and 1071 Bronze.
*MEDALS’ HAUL FOR TEAM ANAMBRA AT THE 21ST NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL (NSF)
*Gold*
Ajuluchukwu Okagbue – Scrabble (Male)
Njideka Iyiazi – Shot Put (Female) Para-Athletics
Covenant Isaac – Wushu Kung-Fu (-70kg) Female
Obinna Victor Ibedu – Wushu Kung-Fu (-80kg) Female
Ujunwa Nwankwo – Karate (-68kg) Female
Prince Anagor – Boxing (-80kg) Male
Silver
Njideka Iyiazi – Javelin F57 (Female) Para-Athletics
Esther Ezerioha – Javelin F44 (Female) Para-Athletics
Onyedika Okafor – Taekwondo (Male)
Scrabble Team (Male)
Njideka Iyiazi – Discus (F57) Female Para-Athletics
Nonso Onwuka – Kickboxing (+91kg) Male
Karate Team – Karate (Team Kumite) Female
John Umyime – Weightlifting (+89kg Toal) Male
John Umyime – Weightlifting (+89kg Clean and Jack) Male
Bronze
Nneamaka Nwachukwu – Deaf Table Tennis (Female)
Kosisochukwu Nze – Taekwondo (Female)
Chinedu Thorpe and Emmanuel Ede – Scrabble Masters’ Doubles (Male)
Isaac Sunday – Kickboxing (-71kg) Male
Hope Sunday Otoba – Wushu Kung-Fu (-48kg) Female
Willie Miracle – Wushu Kung-Fu (-60kg) Female
Hannah Fidelis – Wushu Kung-Fu (-75kg) Female
Ernest Ugwuanyi – Wushu Kung-Fu (-90kg) Female
Miracle Omesu – Chess (Female)
Stephen Arinze Chime – Wushu Kung-Fu (-65kg) Female
Okechukwu Moses Audu – Wushu Kung-Fu (-75kg) Female
Emmanuel Ogbuagu – Karate (-60kg) Male
Uchenna Nwaonu – Karate (-67kg) Male
Nkechi Dimejesi – Wrestling (68kg) Male
Emeka Nwafor – Wrestling (79kg) Male
Chinonso Robinson – Wrestling (77kg) Male
Grace Odinaka – Kickboxing (-70kg) Female
John Umyime – Weightlifting (+89kg Slaph) Male
Lucky Fiako – High Jump Male
Ekenedirichukwu John Onyendu – Kickboxing Male
Summary
Gold – 6
Silver – 9
Bronze – 24
Total: 39
