Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
Over 200 young athletes from across Bayelsa competed in a high-energy one-day trial at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, vying for spots to represent the state at the National Youth Games in Asaba, scheduled for August 26 to September 6, 2025.
Organized by the Bayelsa Athletics Association, the meet featured track events including the 100m, 400m, 800m, and 1500m, alongside field events like shot put, long jump, high jump, and a 100m hurdles demonstration.
In the girls’ 100m, Ebimoboere Christopher blazed to victory with a time of 12.52 seconds, edging out Paebi Gabriel (12.65 seconds) for the top spot, while Emmanuela Iga took third in 13.42 seconds.
The boys’ 100m saw Godfrey Amalala dominate with an 11.67-second finish, followed by Ebimotimi Peretimi (11.96 seconds) and Sinivie Deme (12.15 seconds).
Sunshine Alex claimed the girls’ 400m title in 1:07.22, while Sinivie Deme bounced back from his 100m result to win the boys’ 400m in 56.68 seconds.
In the 1500m, Success Okechi led the boys with a time of 5:06.88, and Victory Innocent topped the girls’ field in 5:41.
Field events showcased more standout performances. Chidera Uzubuenyi soared to first in the boys’ long jump, with Paebi Gabriel winning the girls’ event.
Godfrey Amalala added another gold in the boys’ high jump, while Tolomoere Moses claimed the girls’ title. Joseph Righteous and Mienseigha Divine secured victories in the boys’ and girls’ shot put, respectively.
The Vice Chairman of the Bayelsa Athletics Association and Auditor of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Dr.Kolawale Oredipe praised the athletes’ performances, calling them a promising sign for the future of athletics in Bayelsa.
“These young talents are setting the stage for something special at the National Youth Games,” Oredipe said.
The selected athletes will now prepare to represent Bayelsa in Asaba, aiming to make their mark on the national stage.
