The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has showered praises on Team Edo and Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team for their outstanding recent performances, describing them as a testament to the growing dominance of Nigerian athletes in local and continental sports.
At the 1st South-South Senior Badminton Tournament, which ended on Sunday, August 3, 2025, in Asaba, Delta State, Team Edo emerged overall best, clinching three gold and one bronze medal.
In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele commended the athletes for their excellence and determination.
“I am elated by Promise James Ekong’s outstanding performance—winning two gold medals in the female doubles and mixed doubles. This means so much to us,” he stated.
He also praised Rahama Ibrahim, who bagged one gold and one bronze in the female doubles and singles, and Adam Oviasogie Isosa, who secured gold in the mixed doubles category. Hon. Enabulele further applauded Osasere Osaro and Mustapha Ali, two under-15 players who competed in the senior category and won gold in the men’s doubles.
“I must commend our young athletes. Their achievement speaks volumes of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s ‘Catch Them Young’ initiative, which is already producing results,” he said.
He also saluted the coaches and support staff for their hard work and consistency, expressing optimism that Edo’s success story will continue to inspire future champions.
In a related development, the Commission Chairman also congratulated the Edo Female Rugby Team for winning the 5th edition of the Racing 10s Rugby Tournament in Lagos. They crushed their Lagos counterparts, AJ City Rugby Team, 26–0 at the National Stadium, Surulere, on Saturday, August 2.
“Interestingly, this is the second time in a row Edo is defeating this team without conceding a point—the first being at the National Female Rugby Tournament two years ago in Asaba. This confirms Edo’s continued dominance and rising status as the powerhouse of Nigerian sports,” Enabulele said.
Beyond the regional achievements, Hon. Enabulele also congratulated Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, the D’Tigress, for their victory at the 2025 AfroBasket Women’s Championship in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The team defeated Mali 78–64 in the final, securing their fifth consecutive and seventh overall continental title.
“This historic feat exemplifies the resilience, patriotism, and unyielding spirit of our women. The D’Tigress are, without question, the queens of African basketball,” Enabulele remarked.
He also praised Coach Rena Wakama, Nigeria’s first female head coach of the team, the technical crew, and NBBF President Ahmadu Musa Kida, for their roles in delivering the remarkable win.
“Following the Super Falcons’ 10th WAFCON title win, and now this AfroBasket triumph, it’s clear that Nigeria’s female athletes are flying the nation’s flag high. These victories inspire young girls to embrace sports as a career and a passion,” he said.
Enabulele concluded by reaffirming the Edo State Sports Commission’s commitment to nurturing talent and supporting athletes to achieve even greater heights.