Team Rivers athletes in fine form as State trials gather momentum

Team Rivers athletes in fine form as State trials gather momentum

Athletes from Rivers State are displaying impressive form as the flag off date of the 2026 National Youth Games (Edo 2026) draws closer.

The trials in two sports, Wrestling and Taekwondo took centre stage on Wednesday as the athletes thrilled spectators at the iconic Alfred Diette Spiff Sports Complex (Civic Centre), underlying their readiness for the Games.

In the morning session, Cynthia Phillip, a female wrestler in the 58kg weight class, expressed confidence and optimism in her drive to clinch Gold in Benin, later this month after punching her ticket to Benin,

The charismatic youngster will be debuting at the big stage at Edo 2026 but she's not allowing that fact to dampen her morale as she looks to make a big impression by becoming regional champion.

"Expect nothing but Gold from me [in Benin]," Cyhthia stated in a bullish fashion.

"I believe [I can do it] because of my determination. It won't be easy but I know I can do it. I am going for the Gold, she concluded.

Meanwhile, a Male wrestler of the State, Precious Edwin, who will be competing in the 63kg weight class also has little doubts that he will emerge Nulli Secundus in Benin.

Affectionately referred to as 'Small Pepper', the hugely talented and equally charismatic wrestler who competed at the previous edition of the Games in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State said his failure last time out will provide the fuel and motivation required for him to attain excellence in the land of the Oba at the 2026 Games.

"I think I've put in the hard work and I'm totally locked in on this," he said.

"I've trained a lot for this and I know I'll win a Gold medal there. 

:The trials have been positive for me as I defeated my two opponents today.

"The coaches have also been working hard with us to see that we arrive in Benin in optimum conditions. 

"It will not be easy to go to Benin to win the Gold but the idea is to go there and make Rivers State proud," he noted.

The head coach of the Rivers State wrestling team, Iyowuna Levi, who has been following the exploits of his charges with almost Eagle-eyed precision, explained the rationale behind the selection process of the athletes. 

"We have scoured all 23 Local Government Areas in Rivers State to try to get the best wrestlers to represent us in Benin," Levi explained.

"A total of 12 wrestlers were picked after this painstakingly detailed process.

"I am excited and full of hope. Our wrestlers will make a bold statement in Benin," he said.

In the evening session, Taekwondo trials took place with seven youngsters getting the nod after a thrilling evening that will live long in the memory.

Three females and four males made the cut with assistant coach of the team, Robert George, quick to lift the lid on the selection process.

"First, the ages of the martial artists are considered," he explained.

"We also respect the current Olympic weight classes. These include four different weight classes for both male and female Taekwondoists, respectively.

"Ofcourse, the trials (which took place on Wednesday), is also a very important prerequisite as we pair the athletes and select the best after direct competition," he said.

Team Rivers' head of coaching, Michael Okereke was an extremely busy Man on Wednesday as he painstakingly followed every activity in the morning and evening sessions of the Wrestling and Taekwondo events.

He gave a seal of approval to the processes employed in selecting athletes that will represent Rivers State at the National Youth Games in Benin. 

"We have high hopes of going to Edo State and making Rivers State proud," began Okereke.

"From all I've seen, athletes and coaches are putting in their best in different sports.

"It is my belief that their best will be good enough for Rivers State," he concluded.

The 2026 Niger Delta Games (Edo 2026), sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), will take place in Benin City, Edo State, from February 20th to 27th, 2026.   

The games will feature 17 different sports held at the Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City and other locations

Athletes selected after Wednesday's trials (Wrestling and Taekwondo)

Wrestling

Female Kokowa

Cyhthia Phillip 58kg

Uranta Godgift 68kg

Beauty Joshua 42kg

Imomotimi Tariela 40kg

Male Kokowa

Precious Edwin 70kg

Heginson Emmanuel 62kg

Kingsley Godspower 54kg

Perelayei James 42kg

Male freestyle

Kelvin Wilson

Godspower Kingsley 

Iyowuna Sunny

Wisdom Amoro

Godstime Emmanuel

Emmanuel Wosu

Female freestyle

Mary Israel Caminus

Uchenna Stephen

Onun Peculiar

Chinonso Peter

Agnes Friday 

Ilode Faith

Basketball

Male category

Ifiemi Emmanuel -58k

Tomi Emmanuel -68kg.

Gift Justice. -74kg.

Goodluck Godspower 

Ayiba kuro +75kg.

Female category

Sophia West Opugberenea.-49kg.

West Gravel Opugberenea.-57kg

Obinye Victory +67kg.

Order of events/trials (Thursday, February 5, 2026)

Powerlifting (Alfred Diette Spiff Sports Complex/Civic Centre Moscow Road from 10:00am)

Boxing (Indoor Basketball Court, 59 Niger Street, Port Harcourt Township, from 11:00am)