After years of near-misses and heartbreak, Akwa Ibom’s Immaculata Ufot finally ascended to the top of the podium, clinching gold in the women’s -57kg judo event at the 2024 Gateway Games in Abeokuta.
In a gripping final, Ufot defeated Amara of Delta State the same opponent who had previously edged her out for a national team slot delivering a stunning performance marked by both power and purpose.
Ufot, who made her National Sports Festival debut in 2018 in Abuja, had consistently shown promise but never quite made it past the bronze medal finish in previous editions.
Despite being invited to the national camp for the 2023 African Games 2023 she once again lost out to Amara in a painful repeat of the past. But this time, when it mattered most, she turned the tables.
Immaculata and Enku on white alongside their coaches led by veteran Coach Ewa Ekuta (L), Olympian, Coach Kate Ekuta and Coach Onyekachi. Photo Credit: Athletic Images
“Really, I’m so excited, Like, I don’t know the word I should use — I’m so happy right now. Well, there was a lot of work put in to achieve this.”Ufot said moments after her breakthrough win.
Her victory was not just about the medal it was about validation, resilience, and redemption. For Ufot, this was personal.
“That was some journey, and it’s been finally crowned with success. I’m grateful to God” she said.
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The win marks her first-ever gold at the National Sports Festival after previously settling for bronze on 3 occasions(Abuja, Edo and Delta). It also sends a strong message: Immaculata Ufot is no longer the underdog — she’s the new champion in town.
Immaculata and Enku- two gold medalist share a moment of joy together at the Gateway Games 2024. Photo Credit: Athletic Images
With this success comes a new kind of pressure — the weight of expectations that follow a national champion. When asked if she’s prepared for that spotlight, Ufot didn’t hesitate.
Her response was calm but confident: “I’m ready.”
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In other results Enku Ekuta secured her fourth consecutive gold at the National Sports Festival by defeating Ondo State’s Kafayat Azeez in the women’s -63kg final at the Ilisan Town Hall, Ilisan Remo.
Team Akwa Ibom has now secured two gold medals in judo ahead of Day 3 of the event, where Ekuta is set to compete again in the mixed team event — adding even more promise to the state’s strong judo campaign.
