Delta State Athletes Shine Bright at African U18/U20 Championships Trials

Delta State athletes delivered a commanding performance at the 2025 National U18/U20 Athletics Trials held in Sagamu, Ogun State, underlining the state’s dominance in grassroots sports development.

The delegation of 40 athletes turned in a medal-laden showing, with 30 earning selection to the national team for the3rd African U18 and U20 Championships scheduled to be held later this month in Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital—one of the highest representation rates in the country.

This remarkable feat was fueled by the unwavering support of the Chairman of the Delta State Athletics Association, Sir Malik Ikpokpo, who personally bankrolled the team’s participation at the championship. His investment in youth sports development continues to yield dividends, with Delta athletes shining across a wide spectrum of events.

In the Triple Jump U18, Timothy Ugherakpoteni soared to gold, adding flair to Delta’s dominance in the field. Similarly, Ajagbawa Frances claimed gold in the Long Jump U20 Women, while Ugwu Meshack leapt to a silver finish in the Long Jump U20 Men.

The javelin throw was another stronghold for the Delta team:
Kenneth Christopher Destiny launched to gold in the U18 Women’s Javelin with a mark of 30.41 meters. Ofili Ebube earned silver in the U20 Men’s Javelin (52.56m). Ademola Temitope secured silver in the U20 Women’s Javelin (41.56m).

Delta’s presence on the track was just as formidable. In the 200m U18, a Delta sprinter clocked 21.67 seconds to clinch bronze. Chioma Nweke followed up with a bronze in the U20 Women’s 200m (23.79s), while Joachim Uyovwiyoma sped to silver in the U20 Men’s 200m (21.36s).

In discus events, Delta’s athletes also dominated:
Kanu Emmanuella threw 34.5 meters to earn gold in the U20 Women’s Discus.

Kenneth Christopher Destiny, returning to the field, also bagged gold in the U18 Discus with a 24.14-meter throw. There were powerful showings in the high jump and 400m too:
Ikweki Praise soared to gold in the U18 High Jump with a leap of 2.07 meters, while Oddo Melvin added a silver at 1.95 meters.

In the 400m U18 Men’s race, Kennedy posted a time of 48.95 seconds to win silver.
To cap off the multi-event contests, a Delta athlete secured silver in the U20 Women’s Heptathlon Long Jump, showcasing the state’s versatility and strength in combined events.

Delta’s comprehensive performance at the trials not only reinforces its reputation as a national athletics hub but also highlights the strength of its youth development pipeline. With 30 athletes now selected for national representation, the state once again leads the charge in nurturing the next generation of Nigerian track and field stars.