RismadarVoice Reporters, May 30, 2026
Two judokas from Akwa Ibom State, Enku Ekuta and Immaculata Ufot, have secured qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after impressive performances at the Commonwealth Trials organised by the Nigeria Judo Federation in Abuja.
The athletes earned their places at the Games during the trials held at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, where they recorded podium finishes in their respective weight categories. Ekuta competed in the women’s -63kg category, while Ufot featured in the women’s -57kg division.
The duo was received on Friday by officials of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Sports and formally presented to the Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, by the state Judo team led by coaches Kachi David and Adesuji Adebiyi.
Speaking during the reception, Bassey described the qualification as another major achievement for sports development in the state, noting that it followed recent successes recorded in weightlifting and athletics.
“This is another harvest of excellence for Akwa Ibom sports,” the commissioner said.
He attributed the achievement to the support provided by Governor Umo Eno, highlighting initiatives such as the establishment of a stand-alone Ministry of Sports, the state sports festival, and the provision of sporting equipment.
“The stand-alone sports ministry, state sports festival and the availability of equipment for all the sports have started yielding excellent fruits,” Bassey stated.
The commissioner also noted that the state government’s athlete reward system had continued to motivate sportsmen and women to excel at national and international competitions.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sports, Mrs Rosemary Ubia, described the Akwa Ibom Judo team as a “gold-winning team” and pledged continued support for the athletes as they prepare for future competitions.
Responding on behalf of the athletes, Immaculata Ufot thanked Governor Eno and the state government for their support, saying the encouragement had inspired members of the team to strive for greater achievements.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, bringing together athletes from across the Commonwealth to compete in various sporting disciplines.
