Team Bayelsa maintained its push for overall victory at the ongoing National Para Games in Abuja, delivering another strong performance on Day 5 with an impressive medal haul across multiple events.
The standout performance came in wheelchair table tennis, where Bayelsa secured one gold and two bronze medals. The pair of Ajani Idowu and Razak Bankole dominated the men’s doubles final, defeating their opponents in straight sets to claim gold.
In para swimming, Bayelsa athletes added one gold and one bronze medal, reinforcing the team’s consistency in the pool. Para powerlifting also contributed to the tally, with Mesomowo Uncle winning a bronze medal.
Bayelsa’s dominance extended to the badminton court, where the team clinched another gold medal in para badminton, further boosting its position on the medals table.
At the end of Day 5, Team Bayelsa recorded three gold and four bronze medals, bringing its overall total to 25 gold, 26 silver, and 26 bronze medals, keeping the defending champions firmly in contention for top honours.
Reacting to the performance, the Permanent Secretary of the Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports Development, Pere Efeke, expressed satisfaction with the team’s showing, noting that the athletes have continued to demonstrate resilience and competitive strength.
He said the team remains focused on finishing strongly, adding that there is growing confidence among officials that Bayelsa will sustain its title challenge.
Efeke also described the outing as a personal milestone, noting that it is his first major assignment in the role, having been entrusted with the responsibility by the Commissioner for Sports Development, Daniel Igali.
On athlete welfare, he assured that the Bayelsa State Government, led by Douye Diri, remains committed to rewarding outstanding performances and sustaining investment in sports development.
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He highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening the state’s sporting profile, including the Governor Douye Diri National Wrestling Classics and an upcoming 10-kilometre marathon in Yenagoa.
Efeke also acknowledged the support of key stakeholders, including Deputy Governor Peter Akpe and Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Tare Porri, for their continued backing of the team.
With consistent performances across events, Team Bayelsa remains one of the leading contenders as the National Para Games progresses.
