A total of 46 athletes, including 10 foreign-based stars, will represent Team Delta at the 2026 Commonwealth Games National Athletics Trials scheduled to take place in Lagos. The competition will feature top U.S.-based athletes, making it a high-stakes event for Nigerian track and field hopefuls.
Men's Events
Eight young athletes from Delta will compete in the men's 100m and 200m events: Osama Chibueze, Bright Gift, Saturday Godswill, Egbon Destiny Chinedu, Joachim Uyovwiyoma, Amreremenore Edesiri, and Kwashi Aye Courage. In the boys' long jump, Onyia Jeffrey Miracle will be the state's representative.
For the boys' 400m, Team Delta's flagbearers include David Udoh, Erhieyovwe Kennedy, Isaac Chukwuwike Miracle, Okocha Ikechukwu, Ighogboja Michael, Onojuvwewho Moses, and Kwashi Aye Courage. Ugherakpoteni Timothy will compete in the men's triple jump.
In the men's long jump, Romeo Bernard, Gowon Gift Ogheneruno, Nkemakolam God'swill, Martin Ugwu, and Onyia Jeffrey Miracle are the athletes to watch. Oddo Melvin and Ikweki Praise will represent Delta in high jump, while Daniel Ovie Possible is the sole entrant in the 110m hurdles.
The 400m hurdles will see Ihwiwhu Oghenekowho John and Daniel Ovie Possible take on the U.S.-based stars. Abujei Chinedu will compete in shot put and javelin, while Bosa David Kosisochukwu and Ofuoku Nyerhovwo Ben will battle in discus. Success Okeleke will participate in shot put, and Ofili Ebube Franklin is the state's flagbearer in javelin.
Women's Events
Team Delta's women's squad is equally formidable, with stars ready to challenge the foreign-based athletes. In the 100m and 200m, Jennifer Chukwuka Obi, Chioma Nweke, Ejiro Peter, Faith Chukwuma, Odika Chinonso, and Ufuoma Merit will lead the charge. Elizabeth Olumide Titilayo and Innocent Mary will represent Delta in the 400m.
Siviana Ossai is the athlete to watch in the 400m hurdles, while Emerald Makuachukwu will compete in shot put and javelin. Ademola Temitope will try her luck in heptathlon, and Kanu Emmanuella along with Chukwuedon Christabel Oluchi will participate in discus. Olise Favour Amaka will compete in long jump, and Anochie Rejoice is Team Delta's entrant in the 800m.
Precious Uduvweghre will take part in the 400m hurdles and 100m hurdles, while Ajagbawa Francess is the state's athlete in triple jump and high jump.
Officials Express Confidence
Chairman of the Delta State Athletics Association, Malik Itiako Ikpokpo, expressed confidence that the athletes will give their best at the National Trials, which will be held at Yaba Technical College from June 20 to 22. Ikpokpo, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Dunamics Icon and organizer of the Niger Delta Games, urged the athletes to believe in their abilities.
“Tracks are the same everywhere. What matters most is your confidence, preparation, and determination to perform at your best,” he said.
Ikpokpo expressed optimism about the prospects of young athletes at the trials, noting that emerging talents could spring major surprises in Lagos. “I strongly believe a young athlete can pull a surprise in Lagos. We saw so many talented youngsters during the Niger Delta Games, and in a competition like this, one breakthrough performance can change everything,” he added.
