The recently concluded Niger Delta Sports Festival was more than just a celebration of athleticism, it was a statement. Bayelsa State delivered a commanding performance in the chess event, sweeping multiple categories and showing the strength of their grassroots development.
In the team events, Bayelsa clinched Gold in both the Men’s and Women’s categories, scoring 30.5 and 32.5 points respectively. Edo and Delta followed with Silver and Bronze, but Bayelsa’s consistency across all boards was impressive.
Where things got even more exciting was in the individual events. Deborah Quickpen, the teenage sensation, once again proved why she’s a name to watch. She claimed Gold in both the Women’s Rapid and Blitz events, while also leading the Bayelsa women to team victory. Her teammates, Isede Jessica and Ebiakpo Ebidise, didn’t just support, they showed up strong, taking Silver and Bronze in Rapid respectively.
On the men’s side, Patrick Uriah of Delta grabbed Gold in Rapid, but Bayelsa’s Ekunke Odeh Goodness fought back with Gold in Blitz and a Silver in Rapid—an impressive double-medal feat.
This edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival brought big energy. Beyond the medals, what stood out was the growing depth of chess in the Niger Delta region.
If this is the level we’re seeing now, imagine what’s coming next. One thing’s clear, Bayelsa isn’t just winning; they’re building something.
