Team Delta has wrapped up its athletics trials for the 2nd Niger Delta Games, throwing the spotlight on a crop of emerging talents primed for the regional showdown slated for February 19 in Benin City.The selection exercise, staged at the iconic Stephen Keshi International Stadium, was less about routine qualification and more a reveal of Delta’s next generation of track and field prospect athletes who could dominate the scene in the coming years.In the women’s 200 metres, Faith Chukwuma rose above early drama to blaze home in 22.34 seconds, stamping her authority as the fastest on the day. Her supremacy, however, faces a growing challenge from Ethiope West’s Ejiro Peter, the new face stirring excitement after finishing second in 24.03 seconds, with Chinonso Odika close behind on 24.18 seconds.The men’s sprint produced its own burst of freshness. Osama Chibueze led a crowded field with a winning time of 20.85 seconds, followed by Rim Rukeh Fada (21.57s) and Egbo Destiny (21.78s). Yet, beyond the podium, it was Onoriode Perter youngest of the lot who caught the selectors’ attention. Despite finishing sixth in 21.91 seconds, the younger brother of Ejiro Peter showed composure and potential beyond his years.In the field events, Team Delta’s medal ambitions in the high jump were reignited as Praise Ikweki soared over 2.05 metres to finish best overall, announcing himself as a serious contender.With the athletics trials concluded, Team Delta now turns focus to the remaining 15 sports, as trials continue on Tuesday in Asaba. A closed camping programme will commence immediately after the trials, which are expected to end on Thursday, as Delta fine-tunes preparations for the Niger Delta Games.
