By Femi Atolagbe

The duo of Henry Aina and Esther Ashaolu have both increased Team Ondo’s gold medal haul to six.

They clinched the most coveted titles in tennis and wrestling (62kg), respectively, at the maiden edition of the Niger Delta Sports Festival held in Akwa Ibom.

Umamma Abdulrahman and Adekanmi Timilehin also secured silver medals in the 57kg and 86kg wrestling categories, respectively.

Saliu Rasheed won bronze in the 74kg wrestling category, while Opeyemi Abai and Imole Adisa also claimed bronze in tennis and the 63kg boxing category, respectively.

The state’s male basketball team defeated Akwa Ibom 60–53 to qualify for the final, while the female side beat Bayelsa 35–18 to also book a spot in the final.

Ondo State wrestling coach, Tayo Bamiwo, expressed his delight over his athletes’ performances at the event.

He added that Esther Ashaolu has the potential to achieve even more in the sport.

“I’m very happy for her. She didn’t disappoint me. Before we left Akure, I knew she would win gold, and she lived up to expectations,” he said.

“I can assure you that she will do even better at the upcoming National Sports Festival scheduled to take place in Ogun State next month.”