Peters and Osama Shine with Four Gold Medals Each as Niger Delta Games Highlight Nigeria’s Emerging Track and Field Stars

The second edition of the Niger Delta Games concluded on Thursday, February 26, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State, after five days of competition that showcased the region’s rich athletics talent.

Edo State, the host, topped the overall medals table with 52 gold medals, marking its first major victory at a national sports festival in years.

Delta State, however, stole the spotlight in athletics, winning 13 gold medals, mostly in sprints and relays. Edo excelled in field events, while Akwa Ibom and Cross River States claimed honors in middle- and long-distance races.

Delta athletes underlined their dominance by winning four of the five relay gold medals, with Akwa Ibom preventing a clean sweep by taking the men’s 4x400m.

Among the standout performers were Ejiro Peters, who won the women’s 100m and 200m before adding gold in the 4x100m and 4x100m Mixed Relays, and Osama Chibueze, who mirrored the feat in the men’s sprints.

Cross River’s David Udoh captured the men’s 400m and contributed to his state’s 4x400m victory, while Treasure Okereke won the women’s 400m and anchored Delta’s 4x400m team.

Akwa Ibom’s Hephzibah Okon impressed in the 800m, though Cross River’s Godsmind Eteng claimed the 1500m. Edo’s Treasure Omosivwe matched her personal best of 1.75m to win the women’s high jump.

Organizers and coaches praised the quality of competition.

Former sprint champion Seun Ogunkoya described the Games as encouraging for Nigeria’s athletics future, while Warri Effurun Peace Marathon organizer Joyce Bozimo called for training camps to nurture emerging talents.

Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, chairman of the organizing committee and Delta State Athletics Association, said a Scouting and Mentorship Committee had been monitoring performances and would recommend next steps.

He emphasized that while the Niger Delta Development Commission and Dunamis-Icon Limited provided the platform, it was up to states and federal agencies to support athletes toward national and international success.

The Niger Delta Games are owned by Dunamis-Icon Limited and sponsored by the NDDC.