Commonwealth Games Trials Triumph: AFN Hailed for Impeccable Organisation, Team Delta Dazzles

The recent Commonwealth Games National Trials in Lagos proved to be a resounding success, marked by both exceptional athletic performances and commendable organizational prowess. Governor Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State led the commendation for Team Delta athletes, while the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) received widespread praise for the efficiency and professionalism demonstrated throughout the competition.

Governor Oborevwori specifically lauded sprint sensation Favour Ashe, who emerged as Nigeria’s fastest man with an extraordinary display in the men’s 100 metres. Ashe, a Delta-born sprinter sponsored by the Delta State Government for the trials, set a new career-best and national title-winning time of 9.93 seconds. This remarkable feat not only made him the fastest Nigerian ever to win the championship but also recorded the quickest 100m time ever achieved on Nigerian soil, surpassing his own semi-final mark of 9.98 seconds. In a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori hailed Ashe's achievement as a testament to Delta State's sustained investment in sports and youth development, urging him to maintain his impressive trajectory on the international stage.

Beyond Ashe, other Team Delta athletes also delivered medal-winning performances. Veteran quarter-miler Patience Okon-George secured her fifth national crown and first since 2021, claiming the women’s 400 metres title in 51.87 seconds, with Kudoro Taiwo finishing as runner-up. In the men’s 400 metres, Johnson Tyler clinched gold with a time of 45.75 seconds, while Achakpoekiri Victory and Emmanuel Ojeli secured silver and bronze respectively, highlighting Team Delta’s dominance in the event. Furthermore, Divine Oladipo successfully defended her women’s shot put title with a winning throw of 16.90 metres. Governor Oborevwori expressed confidence that these performances reflected the strength of Delta State’s sports development programme and predicted continued excellence at future national and international competitions.

On the organizational front, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) earned widespread commendation for the successful staging of the trials at the Yaba College of Technology. Stakeholders praised the improved organization, efficiency, and professionalism, noting that all events were completed on schedule – a significant improvement over previous editions often plagued by delays. According to a statement by AFN Media Committee Chairman Maxwell Kumoye, leading athletics platform Athletics Station lauded the seamless coordination that ensured timely completion of all events, allowing athletes and officials to leave the venue promptly.

Athletics Station highlighted that the competition showcased the potential of effective planning, strong leadership, and collective commitment. Special recognition was given to key individuals for their contributions, including AFN Second Vice-President Akuchukwu Aghazu, General Omatseye Nesiama (particularly for his organizational expertise in keeping the programme on schedule), Yusuf Alli (head of the Elite Podium Finish Committee, commended for his analytical approach), Chief Mary Onyali, Gabriel Opuana, Roasters Athletics, and the Call Room officials. The leadership of the National Sports Commission, led by Director-General Bukola Olopade, alongside Nigeria Olympic Committee Vice-President Chief Solomon Ogba and AFN President Chief Tonobok Okowa, were also acknowledged for their crucial support. Additional financial rewards provided by Aghazu, Onyali, Kunle Oguneye, Gbolahan Fatuga, and other stakeholders further motivated outstanding home-based athletes.

Observers described the successful conclusion of all events and the high level of athlete performance as a positive indicator for Nigerian athletics as preparations continue for major international competitions. “This is progress and professionalism,” Athletics Station remarked, applauding everyone who contributed to making the Commonwealth Games Trials one of the most efficiently organized championships by the federation in recent years.