12/09/2025
2025 AKWA IBOM STATE SPORTS FESTIVAL:
Medal Rush Intensifies as Games Enter Final Stretch
The 2025 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival is entering its final days, and the atmosphere has reached fever pitch. From athletics and swimming to combat sports, volleyball, and weightlifting, athletes representing local government areas are delivering electrifying performances as the medal table tightens.
Athletics: Itu, Uruan Shine Bright
Track and field continued to dominate the spotlight, with Itu and Uruan athletes making their mark.
100m finals: Itu’s Rosemary Edet stormed to gold in the women’s race, while Noble Isang (Mbo) and Edidiong John (Uruan) took silver and bronze. Uyo’s Bright Gift claimed gold in the men’s 100m, ahead of Itu’s Treasure Nkitima and Uruan’s Nsinana-abasi Mfon.
200m finals: Oruk Anam’s Ezekiel Eno sprinted to gold in the men’s event, while Itu’s Rosemary Edet doubled her haul with victory in the women’s race.
400m finals: Comfort James (Nsit Ibom) emerged champion in the women’s race. Itu’s Victor Sampson dominated the men’s event, edging Ezekiel Asuquo (Oruk Anam) and Wisdom Wednesday (Uruan). In the juniors, Itu’s Jecinta Lawrence and Uruan’s Uwana Anthony provided a thrilling showdown.
800m finals: Comfort James of Nsit Ibom claimed the Gold in the women’s category while Oruk Anam’s Ndikponke Nkereuwem triumphed in the men’s 800m. In the girls category, National Youth games champion Hephzibah Okon beat Esit-Eket and Eket to finish top.
Field events: Ikot Ekpene’s Uwamfon Moses clinched the girls’ high jump title, and Uruan’s Christian Edet soared to win the boys’ final, while Itu’s Etoro Ebong impressed in the shot put.
Para-Athletes Make Their Mark
The festival also celebrated inclusivity with para-athletics.
Ekeme Abraham (Etinan) won gold in the men’s discus F53–57 category, with Ini’s Abasifreke Okon and Uyo’s Victor-Lord Nwanguo taking silver and bronze.
Uruan’s Arit Edet claimed gold in the women’s discus, edging Nsini Ben (Nsit Atai) and Esther George (Ikot Ekpene).
Swimming: Onna, Ibiono, Itu Take Charge
At the Uyo Township Stadium pool, swimmers delivered a splash of brilliance.
Abasiekeme Aniefiok (Onna) powered to gold in the men’s 100m freestyle.
Itoro Sunday (Ibiono Ibom) dominated the women’s 50m freestyle.
Hilda Asian (Itu) topped the junior girls’ 50m freestyle.
Combat Sports and Weightlifting: Itu Dominates
Itu extended their supremacy in combat sports and weightlifting.
In judo, they topped the table with six medals, including two golds, while Nsit Atai and Oruk Anam followed closely.
In weightlifting, standout lifters Samuel Cosmos Sampson and Ruth Asuquo spearheaded Itu’s medal rush.
Volleyball and Beach Volleyball: Itu on Top Again
Fans were treated to thrilling rallies on the court and sand. Itu once again proved their class, emerging overall champions in both senior and junior categories of beach volleyball, edging out Onna, Uruan, and Esit Eket.
Football: Knockout Drama Builds
The football competition is now in its decisive stages. Quarterfinal and semifinal clashes across male and female categories kept fans on the edge, with finals set for Friday at venues in Uyo, Eket, Ikot Ekpene, and the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Countdown to the Finale
As the festival races toward its grand closing ceremony on Saturday, 13 September, expectations are high for more records, more medals, and unforgettable sporting stories.
The event, a flagship initiative of Governor Umo Eno, continues to unearth fresh talent, boost grassroots sports development, and position Akwa Ibom as a hub for sports and tourism.
