Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated Team Delta athletes for their impressive performances at the just-concluded COMMONWEALTH GAMES National Trials in Lagos, with sprint sensation Favour Ashe making history as Nigeria’s fastest man.
Key Highlights:
Favour Ashe clocks 9.93 seconds to become Nigeria’s fastest man.
Delta State Government-sponsored athlete breaks national championship record.
Governor Oborevwori commends Team Delta’s outstanding performance.
Patience Okon-George wins women’s 400m national title.
Johnson Tyler claims men’s 400m championship crown.
Divine Oladipo successfully defends women’s shot put title.
Governor reiterates commitment to sports development and athlete support.
Ashe delivered a stunning performance at the COMMONWEALTH GAMES National Trials, running a personal best of 9.93 seconds to win the men’s 100 metres title. The feat established him as the fastest Nigerian ever to win the national championship and the fastest athlete to record such a time on Nigerian soil.
The Delta-born sprinter, who was among the foreign-based athletes sponsored by the Delta State Government for the championships, justified pre-race expectations after confidently predicting victory before the event.
Ashe first recorded 9.98 seconds in the semi-finals before improving to 9.93 seconds in the final to secure the national title in remarkable fashion.
The achievement marks the second time Ashe has broken the 10-second barrier while winning the national championship. He previously recorded 9.99 seconds to claim his maiden title at the 2022 championships in Benin City.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori praised Ashe for bringing honour to Delta State and Nigeria through his exceptional accomplishment.
The governor described the record-breaking performance as evidence of the state government’s sustained investment in sports development, athlete welfare, and talent nurturing.
“Favour Ashe has once again demonstrated the immense sporting potential that Delta State is known for. His achievement is a source of pride to our state and the nation,” Oborevwori stated.
The governor also commended other Team Delta athletes who excelled during the championships.
In the women’s 400 metres event, veteran quarter-miler Patience Okon-George reaffirmed her status as one of Nigeria’s leading athletes by winning the national title in 51.87 seconds. The victory marked her fifth national championship crown and her first since 2021. Kudoro Taiwo finished second in the event.
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The men’s 400 metres title was won by Johnson Tyler, who recently switched allegiance from the United States to Nigeria. Tyler stormed to victory in 45.75 seconds, ahead of Achakpoekiri Victory, who claimed silver with 45.91 seconds, while Emmanuel Ojeli secured bronze in 45.94 seconds.
Meanwhile, Divine Oladipo successfully defended her women’s shot put title with an impressive throw of 16.90 metres, maintaining her unbeaten record at the Nigerian Championships.
Governor Oborevwori reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting athletes and creating opportunities for sporting excellence at both national and international levels.
He expressed confidence that Team Delta would continue to produce world-class athletes capable of winning medals and bringing glory to Delta State and Nigeria at future international competitions, including the COMMONWEALTH GAMES.
