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In the women’s 400m final of the 2025 Niger Delta Sports Festival, Ngozi Okereke stormed across the finish line to clinch the gold medal in a commanding fashion, reinforcing Delta State’s reputation as a powerhouse in Nigerian athletics.
The race was a tense affair, with some of the finest quarter-milers from the region lining up for glory. But from the sound of the starter’s pistol, Okereke exuded poise and power. With a near-flawless execution of her race strategy, she took the lead at the 200m mark and never looked back, maintaining her form with rhythmic precision to finish meters ahead of her closest rival. It was not just a win; it was a statement..
After catching her breath and soaking in the moment, Okereke spoke to journalists, her voice a mixture of exhaustion and pride. “Hard work played a huge role,” she said, clutching her gold medal tightly. “This didn’t happen overnight. I’ve been training, sweating, pushing my limits, and staying focused. To see it all pay off on a big stage like this, itt means everything to me.”
Her time, though yet to be officially announced, is already being described by experts as a personal best, For Ngozi, it was a culmination of months of early mornings, intense workouts, and unwavering discipline.
Delta State, known for its elite athletics program, has long been at the forefront of track and field in Nigeria. Athletes like Blessing Okagbare, Divine Oduduru, and Favour Ofili have passed through the same development pathways that now nurture talents like Ngozi Okereke. The state’s consistent dominance in national sports festivals and regional meets is no accident, it’s the result of strategic investment and a culture of excellence.
“My coaches, my teammates, my support system, everyone has contributed to this moment,” Okereke added. “There were times I doubted myself, especially after a rough start to the season, but they kept pushing me. I’m grateful to Team Delta for believing in me.”
Beyond the win, Okereke has her sights set on the national stage. With the African Championships and Olympic qualifiers on the horizon, her performance has turned heads among national selectors and athletics stakeholders. She’s not just winning medals, she’s positioning herself as one of the brightest prospects for Nigeria’s future in women’s sprinting.
“I know this is just one step,” she said with a determined glint in her eye. “There’s more ahead. I want to represent Nigeria on the global stage, at the World Championships, and eventually, the Olympics. But I also know that to get there, I have to keep working twice as hard.”
