Team Imo Lead South-East Charge as Owerri Hosts Successful Intermediate Games Eliminations
Team Imo emerged the biggest winners at the South-East Zonal Eliminations for the National Intermediate U-19 Youth Games, topping the standings with eight first-place finishes and five second-place finishes across the three-day competition held at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, from September 10 to 12, 2026.
The hosts dominated both male and female basketball, swept the Abula events, and also claimed titles in male beach volleyball, male cricket, male handball and female hockey. Abia finished with seven first-place finishes, while Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu secured one title each.
The successful staging of the zonal eliminations drew praise for Imo State Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, whose swift intervention made it possible for the state to host the event at short notice.
Commendation also goes to the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Obinna Onyeocha (Onowu), and the Director of Sports, Imo Sports Commission, Lady Justina Akpulo (Kpulus), for their steadfastness, coordination and leadership throughout the competition.
The athletes and their coaches equally deserve recognition for their outstanding performances, discipline and commitment, which lifted Team Imo to the summit of the South-East standings.
South-East event leaders
State 1st 2nd
Imo 8 5
Abia 7 0
Anambra 1 6
Ebonyi 1 1
Enugu 1 1
With qualification secured, attention now shifts to the National Intermediate Games in Lagos in the first quarter of next year.
The Imo State Government is encouraged to build on this momentum by providing Team Imo with the best possible preparations, training support and welfare to enable the athletes compete strongly on the national stage.
