Team Delta Unveils 56 Athletes for 2026 Commonwealth Trials in Lagos

A total of 46 athletes, alongside 10 foreign-based competitors, will represent Team Delta at the 2026 Commonwealth Games National Athletics Trials scheduled to take place in Lagos.

The team features a strong mix of emerging talents and established performers across different track and field events.

In the men’s 100m/200m, eight young athletes will fly the state’s flag. They include Osama Chibueze, Bright Gift, Saturday Godswill, Egbon Destiny Chinedu, Joachim Uyovwiyoma, Amreremenore Edesiri, and Kwashi Aye Courage.

In the boys’ field events, Onyia Jeffrey Miracle will compete in the Long Jump, while David Udoh, Erhieyovwe Kennedy, Isaac Chukwuwike Miracle, Okocha Ikechukwu, Ighogboja Michael, Onojuvwewho Moses, and Kwashi Aye Courage will feature in the Boys’ 400m.

Ugherakpoteni Timothy is listed for the Men’s Triple Jump, while in the Men’s Long Jump, Romeo Bernard, Gowon Gift Ogheneruno, Nkemakolam God’swill, Martin Ugwu, and Onyia Jeffrey Miracle will represent Team Delta.

In the Men’s High Jump, Oddo Melvin and Ikweki Praise will compete, while Daniel Ovie Possible will represent the state in the 110m hurdles.

For the Men’s 400m hurdles, Ihwiwhu Oghenekowho John and Daniel Ovie Possible will contest against U.S.-based athletes. Abujei Chinedu will also participate in Shot Put and Javelin events.

In the Men’s Discus, Bosa David Kosisochukwu and Ofuoku Nyerhovwo Ben will be in action, while Success Okeleke will compete in the Shot Put. Ofili Ebube Franklin will represent the state in the Men’s Javelin event.

In the women’s category, Team Delta will also field a strong squad to compete against a large pool of foreign-based athletes.

In the 100m/200m, Jennifer Chukwuka Obi, Chioma Nweke, Ejiro Peter, Faith Chukwuma, Odika Chinonso, and Ufuoma Merit will compete for honours.

The 400m event will feature Elizabeth Olumide Titilayo and Innocent Mary, while Siviana Ossai will compete in the 400m hurdles.

Emerald Makuachukwu is set to participate in Shot Put and Javelin, while Ademola Temitope will contest in the Heptathlon. Kanu Emmanuella and Chukwuedon Christabel Oluchi will compete in the Discus.

Olise Favour Amaka will feature in the Long Jump, while Anochie Rejoice will represent Team Delta in the 800m.

Precious Uduvweghre will compete in the 400m hurdles and 100m hurdles, while Ajagbawa Francess will participate in the Triple Jump and High Jump events.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Delta State Athletics Association, Malik Itiako Ikpokpo, expressed confidence in the team’s readiness ahead of the trials, which will hold at Yaba College of Technology from June 20 to 22.

Ikpokpo, who also serves as Chief Executive Officer of Dunamics Icon, organisers of the Niger Delta Games, encouraged the athletes to believe in their abilities, stressing that performance is not determined by venue.

“Tracks are the same everywhere. What matters most is your confidence, preparation, and determination to perform at your best,” he said.

He further expressed optimism that young athletes could spring surprises at the competition, noting that emerging talents often thrive in high-level events.

“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.