By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Uyo
Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State, is alive with energy this Saturday as athletes from across the Niger Delta converge on multiple venues for Day 4 of the ongoing Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF).
The day’s lineup is packed with action across 17 sporting events, promising a carnival of competition and community spirit as states continue their hunt for medals and bragging rights.
From the early hours of 9AM, handball teams are set to clash at the West Itam Sports Centre, while the Akpabio Stadium will host the adrenaline-fueled athletics events by 3PM, followed by para-athletics at 4PM.
Swimming heats up again at the Uyo Stadium, where Delta and Bayelsa will be looking to extend their dominance in the pool. “We are not backing down,” said a Delta swimmer. “We’re coming for more golds today.”
Team sports will also be in full swing with basketball at the Dakkada centre by 10AM and football at both Uyo and Akpabio Stadiums. Volleyball fans will catch their teams battle for victory at West Itam Sports Centre, while tennis action unfolds across two venues—Dakkada for women and Ultrafit Sports Centre for men.
Traditional wrestling and canoeing will offer a cultural flavour to the day, holding at Uyo Stadium and the scenic Ibom Meridien Resort respectively. Other events such as boxing, chess, scrabble, weightlifting, wrestling, and table tennis will see athletes vie for top honours from 10AM at their designated venues.
“We expect nothing less than fireworks today,” said a festival official. “Every state is pushing hard, and it’s clear that no medal will come easy.”
With the competition intensifying, all eyes will be on powerhouses like Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Edo who have been battling for dominance since the festival began. As Day 4 unfolds, fans, athletes, and coaches alike will be hoping the day ends in celebration—and not heartbreak.