2nd Niger Delta Games: Delta’s Chibueze Credits Coach After Stunning Sprint Victory
Against all expectations, Delta State’s Osama Chibueze stormed to victory in the men’s 100 metres at the ongoing Edo 2026 second Niger Delta Games, clocking an impressive 10.42 seconds to claim gold.
The victory came as a surprise even to the sprinter himself. Chibueze admitted he did not foresee such a performance, especially after struggling with form in the build-up to the Games. He had been beaten at the state trials by two of his colleagues and arrived in Benin City without the confidence of a favourite.
“I didn’t expect to run this fast at this competition because I have not been in great shape,” he revealed. “It was a surprise for me to win this race from what I have gone through leading to the competition.”
However, the turning point came immediately after the trials. His coach took decisive action, pulling him aside for intensive training sessions designed to rebuild his speed, strength, and confidence. The hard work paid off.
“After the trials he took me home and did a lot of work and intensive training to keep me in shape. He told me that if I could replicate what I had done in training at the Niger Delta Games, I would win,” Chibueze said.
Though delighted with the gold medal, the Delta sprinter remains ambitious. While 10.42 seconds stands as his personal best, he believes there is room for improvement.
“I am not satisfied with the time, but I am happy because it is my personal best at the moment,” he added — a statement that signals his hunger for even faster performances in future competitions.
Osama’s victory and that of Ejiro Peter in the Women’s 100m final ensured that Delta State continues to dominate the sprint at the Niger Delta Games having won both in both cadres in the inaugural edition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
