NDG 2026: Cross River Female Chess Team Clinches Gold, Adds Silver and Bronze in Individual Events

Team Cross River State delivered a remarkable performance at the Niger Delta Games Edo 2026, emerging Gold Medalists in the Female Team Chess Category.

The team further showcased brilliance in the Individual Events, securing Silver and Bronze medals, reaffirming their dominance, preparation, and competitive excellence on the intellectual battlefield.

♟️ Female Team Members:

               •             Divine Ephraim Edem

               •             Ekanem God’s Power Bassey

               •             Esther Etim Effiom

               •             Comfort David Edim

               •             Precious Ephraim Edem

 ~Team Gold -  Female Category 

~ Individual Medals - Female Category 

Effiom, Esther Etim - Bronze Medal [ Rapid Event]

Edem, Divine Ephraim - Silver Medal [ Blitz Event]

👥 Coaching Crew:

               •             Fidelis George Abature – Head Coach

               •             Grace Denis Effiong – Assistant Coach

This historic achievement reflects the athletes’ dedication, discipline, and strategic mastery, alongside the technical guidance and leadership of the coaching team. Their success not only brings pride to Cross River State but also underscores the growing strength and development of chess across the region.

Chess continues to stand as a powerful tool for intellectual growth, promoting critical thinking, concentration, patience, and strategic planning among young athletes.

The team expressed profound gratitude to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Dunamis Icon Limited for their visionary support and commitment to youth and sports development.

They also extended appreciation to His Excellency, Bassey Otu, and his wife, Her Excellency Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, for their continuous encouragement and support for sports development in the state.

Special thanks were given to Hon. Etta Lawrence, Chairman of the Cross River State Sports Commission, Hon. Queen Gladys Igut, Hon. Sunny Ebam, Hon. Ekpenyong Effiom Okon, Hon. Gabriel Ushie, and the members of the liaison committee, Mrs Rosemary Usang, Ettah Emmanuel O. David Enwa, HODs, Coaches, staff of the commission and all well-wishers whose contributions made this success possible.

Team Cross River’s performance in chess at Edo 2026 stands as a symbol of excellence, resilience, and strategic brilliance.

Ettah Emmanuel O. 

Head of Media/Publicity

Cross River state liaison Committee, Niger Delta Games Edo 2026