Bayelsa Storm to Triple Gold at Diri Classics

By Maxwell Kumoye 

 

Host Bayelsa State lit up the mats on Sunday with a dominant showing in the men’s freestyle event at the 4th Governor Douye Diri Wrestling Classics in Yenagoa, storming to three gold medals and underlining their status as the team to beat.

Backed by a charged home crowd inside the Indoor Sports Hall of the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, Bayelsa’s wrestlers delivered ruthless, clinical performance across key weight classes.

Erofagha Dideikenei set the tone in the 70kg category, powering past Rivers State’s Richard Ebigha in the final to clinch the hosts’ first gold of the day.

Andrew Ebikeme (Dynamite Club) and Delta’s Ebikedunene T settled for bronze.

The momentum continued in the 82kg division, where Solomon Ulabo produced another commanding display to defeat Edo State’s Agbonifo Ehichiel and secure Bayelsa’s second gold. 

James Perekeme (Nigeria Customs Service) and Progress Peter (Dynamite Club) claimed bronze medals.

Heavyweight Zikeanh Amen capped a near-flawless outing for the hosts, overpowering Ogun State’s Atere Kehinde in the 125kg final to seal Bayelsa’s third gold. Ondo’s Richard Muzaan and Plateau’s Simon Christopher completed the podium.

While Bayelsa ruled the freestyle mat, Tochukwu Okeke of the Nigeria Army stood tall in the Greco-Roman event, successfully defending his 87kg national title. 

Edo State’s Mathias Okuma took silver, while Bayelsa’s Samuel Nathaniel added a bronze to the hosts’ growing medal haul.

Elsewhere, Delta State’s Saviour Egoli emerged champion in the 61kg freestyle category, edging Edo’s Alison Amakuro, as Ondo’s Timi Ijalade and BelieveGod Emmanuel (Chris Club) claimed bronze.

With three gold medals and a string of podium finishes, Bayelsa State’s statement performance on Day 5 has firmly tilted the balance in their favour as the tournament gathers pace in Yenagoa.