Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended a rousing congratulation to Team Delta athletes for their exceptional performances at the just-concluded Commonwealth Games National Trials in Lagos, with particular praise for sprinter Favour Ashe, who etched his name into Nigerian athletics history by becoming the country's fastest man. The trials, which ended on Tuesday at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos, served as the final selection gateway for Nigeria's team to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. Ashe's blistering 9.93-second run in the men's 100 metres final not only secured the national title but also set a new benchmark as the quickest 100m time ever recorded on Nigerian soil and the fastest ever by a Nigerian at the national championships.
Ashe, a Delta-born sprinter who was among the foreign-based athletes sponsored by the Delta State Government to participate in the championships, delivered on his pre-race boast with a performance that captivated the appreciable crowd at YABATECH Sports Centre. He first signalled his intent in the semifinals with a wind-aided 9.97 seconds before returning to the final to clock a legal 9.93 seconds (+0.5 wind), lowering his previous personal best of 9.94 seconds set in the United States in 2024. This marks the second time Ashe has broken the 10-second barrier to claim the national crown, having previously clocked 9.99 seconds to win his first title in 2022 in Benin City. The race also produced a historic moment as Nicholas Fakorede finished second in 9.98 seconds, making Ashe and Fakorede the first Nigerians to break the 10-second mark in the same race at the national championships since 2003, when Deji Aliu and Uchenna Emedolu achieved the feat at the African Games in Abuja.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori described Ashe's achievement as a testament to the state government's continued investment in sports development and athlete support. "Ashe has brought immense pride to Delta State and Nigeria through his exceptional performance," the governor said, adding that the feat underscores the strength of the state's sports development programme. The governor also commended other Team Delta athletes who distinguished themselves during the championships. In the women's 400 metres, veteran quarter-miler Patience Okon-George defied age and expectations, winning the national title in 51.85 seconds. The victory was her fifth national crown and her first since 2021, reaffirming her status as one of Nigeria's finest athletes. She outran a youthful field that included US-based Taiwo Kudoro, who finished second with a personal best of 52.30 seconds, and Faith Ezechukwu, who secured third in 53.12 seconds.
In the men's 400 metres, Johnson Tyler, who recently switched allegiance from the United States to Nigeria in March, stormed to victory in 45.75 seconds to claim his first national title. Achakpoekiri Victory secured silver in 45.91 seconds, while Emmanuel Ojeli, the 2019 winner, completed the podium with 45.94 seconds. The event showcased the depth of Team Delta's sprinting talent, with the state's athletes dominating the podium in the men's 400m. Meanwhile, in the women's shot put, Divine Oladipo maintained her unbeaten record at the Nigerian Championships, successfully defending her title with a throw of 16.90 metres. Competing in only her second Nigerian championships, Oladipo has now won gold in both appearances, solidifying her dominance in the event.
Governor Oborevwori reiterated his administration's commitment to supporting athletes and creating opportunities for them to excel at national and international competitions. "Their achievements reflect the strength of Delta State's sports development programme," he said, expressing confidence that Team Delta would continue to produce champions capable of bringing glory to the state and the nation. The Delta State Government's sponsorship of foreign-based athletes to the trials was also praised by the beneficiaries, who lauded the state for its investment in sports development. Among those who competed under Team Delta's vests were US-based athletes Nyenuchi Okemgbo and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, further highlighting the state's commitment to harnessing talent from across the diaspora.
As the national trials conclude, attention now shifts to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria's selection of athletes who will represent the country at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. For Delta State, the performances of Ashe, Okon-George, Tyler, and Oladipo have set a high bar for the state's sporting ambitions. Governor Oborevwori's message was clear: Delta State is proud of its athletes, and the state will continue to invest in the sports sector to ensure that its champions remain competitive on the global stage.
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