COMMONWEALTH GAMES: Oborevwori Congratulates Team Delta as Favour Ashe Emerges Nigeria’s Fastest Man
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated Team Delta athletes for their outstanding performances at the just-concluded Commonwealth Games National Trials in Lagos, with special commendation for sprint sensation Favour Ashe, who made history by emerging as Nigeria’s fastest man.
Ashe delivered a remarkable performance at the trials, clocking a personal best of 9.93 seconds to win the men’s 100 metres title. His feat established a new benchmark, making him the fastest Nigerian ever to win the national championship and the fastest athlete to run the event on Nigerian soil.
The Delta-born sprinter, who was among the foreign-based athletes sponsored by the Delta State Government to participate in the championships, lived up to expectations after confidently predicting victory ahead of the event.
Ashe first posted an impressive 9.98 seconds in the semifinals before improving to 9.93 seconds in the final to clinch the national crown.
The sprint star has now broken the 10-second barrier on both occasions he won the national title, having earlier recorded 9.99 seconds to secure his first championship in 2022 in Benin City.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori praised Ashe for bringing pride and honour to Delta State and Nigeria through his exceptional performance. He described the achievement as a clear testament to the state government’s sustained investment in sports development and athlete support.
The governor also commended other Team Delta athletes who distinguished themselves during the championships.
In the women’s 400 metres, experienced quarter-miler Patience Okon-George reaffirmed her status as one of Nigeria’s finest athletes by winning the national title in 51.87 seconds. The victory marked her fifth national crown and her first since 2021. Kudoro Taiwo finished second in the event.
The men’s 400 metres title was claimed by Johnson Tyler, who recently switched allegiance from the United States to Nigeria. Tyler stormed to victory in 45.75 seconds, finishing ahead of Achakpoekiri Victory, who claimed silver in 45.91 seconds, while Emmanuel Ojeli secured bronze with a time of 45.94 seconds.
Meanwhile, in the women’s shot put event, Divine Oladipo successfully defended her national title with a throw of 16.90 metres, extending her unbeaten run at the Nigerian Championships.
Governor Oborevwori reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting athletes and creating opportunities for them to excel at both national and international competitions. He expressed confidence that Team Delta would continue to produce champions capable of bringing glory to the state and the nation.