NEWS
ABIA REIGNS SUPREME, EMERGES OVERALL CHAMPION AT NATIONAL DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP WITH SEVEN MEDALS
Abia State has recorded another remarkable sporting achievement, emerging overall champion at the second edition of the Abia State National Darts Championship with an impressive haul of three gold, two silver and two bronze medals.
The championship, which concluded on Saturday October 17, 2026, saw Abia outperform six other participating states to claim the top position on the medal table, underscoring the growing strength of the state’s athletes and the impact of sustained efforts to promote sporting development.
Rivers State finished in second place with two gold, one silver and three bronze medals, while Edo State secured third position with two gold and three bronze medals. Oyo State came fourth with one gold and two bronze medals, followed by Enugu State in fifth place with two silver and two bronze medals. Imo State finished sixth with two silver medals, while Delta State occupied seventh position with two bronze medals.
Leading Abia’s impressive medal-winning performance were Nnamdi Ukaegbu, Evans Ononikpo, Chinecherem Jacop, Uchechi Brown and Chigozie Adigo, whose performances helped the host state establish its dominance in several categories.
In the men’s 501 singles event, Nnamdi Ukaegbu clinched gold, while his teammate Evans Ononikpo secured silver, delivering a memorable one-two finish for Abia. The pair subsequently combined to win gold in the men’s 501 doubles event, further strengthening the state’s position at the summit of the medal table.
Abia also recorded success in the mixed and women’s doubles categories. Chinecherem Jacop and Uchechi Brown secured silver in the TDB mixed doubles event, while Chigozie Adigo and Uchechi Brown added a bronze medal in the women’s 501 doubles event.
Beyond the medals, the championship provided a platform for athletes from different parts of the country to showcase their abilities, exchange experiences and strengthen the competitive standard of darts in Nigeria.
Organised by the Abia State Government in collaboration with the Darts Federation of Nigeria, the competition attracted participants from 13 states and clubs across the country, reinforcing its importance as a platform for talent discovery, athlete development and the wider promotion of the sport.
Speaking at the closing ceremony held in Umuahia on Saturday, October 17, 2026, the President of the Darts Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Awolola Adeyemi, commended the Abia State Governor for hosting the championship and providing an enabling environment for athletes to compete and develop their talents.
Adeyemi expressed optimism that subsequent editions would attract even more states and clubs, noting that the championship had given participants and officials an opportunity to experience Abia State’s hospitality firsthand.
He described the tournament as an important avenue for showcasing the state’s capacity to host sporting events while encouraging young people to discover and develop their abilities.
The federation president also commended the state government and sports administrators for their contributions to sports development, emphasising that investment in sporting activities could help young people channel their energies into productive ventures and contribute to crime prevention.
He maintained that providing opportunities for young people to participate in sports would not only strengthen athletic development but also promote discipline, responsibility and positive engagement within society.
Also speaking at the event, the South-East Zonal Coordinator of the National Sports Commission, Chief Bernard Ezema, applauded the Abia State Government and the organisers for creating a platform through which athletes could demonstrate their skills and compete at a higher level.
Ezema described the championship as a significant step towards improving the standard of darts in Nigeria, urging sports administrators to sustain efforts aimed at developing athletes and preparing them for national and international competitions.
He highlighted the mental demands of darts, stressing that concentration, emotional stability and discipline were essential qualities for athletes seeking to excel in the sport.
While commending the performances recorded during the championship, he noted that more investment and structured preparation would be required to ensure that Nigerian athletes could meet the demands of higher-level competitions.
The zonal coordinator also praised the technical directors, coaches and officials for their contributions to the successful organisation of the tournament, expressing confidence that the championship would continue to expand and attract more participants in future editions.
In his remarks, the Director of Sports in Abia State, Comrade George Obioma, congratulated the athletes for their participation and encouraged them to remain committed to their sporting careers.
Obioma observed that although only a few competitors could emerge as champions, every participant had an opportunity to gain valuable experience, improve their skills and build relationships with fellow athletes.
He urged the players to view the championship as an important stage in their sporting journeys, noting that participation, continuous learning and dedication remained essential ingredients for long-term success.
The Director of Sports also commended the Governor for fostering an environment that encourages sporting activities and appreciated the athletes and officials who travelled from different parts of the country to participate in the competition.
He further noted that the hospitality displayed by Abia reflected the cultural values of its people and expressed satisfaction with the level of participation recorded at the championship.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Abia State Darts Association, Mr. Emmanuel Aguiyi, expressed gratitude for the successful completion of the competition and appreciated the athletes, coaches, technical officials and organisers for their commitment.
Aguiyi described the athletes as the heart of the championship, noting that their participation, discipline, sportsmanship and cooperation were central to the success of the event.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development and the Director of Sports, appreciating the Abia State Government for supporting initiatives that promote sporting excellence and provide opportunities for emerging talents.
For the athletes, the championship represented more than a contest for medals, offering an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, gain recognition and advance their sporting ambitions.
Abia athlete Goodluck Ukaegbu expressed delight at his performance and the opportunity to compete before fellow athletes and sports administrators. He disclosed that he had represented Abia State in sporting competitions since 2009, describing the championship as another opportunity to demonstrate his experience and commitment.
Ukaegbu also expressed optimism about the future of darts in Nigeria, noting that increased public awareness and wider participation could help the sport attract greater recognition across the country.
Another participant, Inspector Grace Williams, representing Oyo State, expressed gratitude following her victory, describing the achievement as a reward for dedication, discipline and consistent training.
Williams explained that balancing her responsibilities as a police officer with her sporting career required considerable sacrifice, effective time management and determination.
The championship ended with the presentation of medals, trophies and cash prizes to outstanding athletes across the various categories, drawing dignitaries, sports administrators and enthusiasts from different parts of the country.
Abia State’s emergence as overall champion has added another milestone to the state’s sporting profile, while the successful hosting of the competition has reinforced the importance of sustained investment in talent discovery, competitive opportunities and grassroots sports development.
With seven medals secured on home soil and athletes demonstrating excellence across multiple events, the second edition of the Abia State National Darts Championship has provided a strong platform for advancing the sp
ort and inspiring a new generation of Nigerian darts players.