Favour Ofilli, the international sprinter, hails from the Anioma region of Delta State, Nigeria. She is a talented track and field athlete known for her speed, agility, and competitive spirit. Ofilli has represented Nigeria in national and international athletics competitions, bringing recognition to her community and the broader Anioma region. She participates in the 100 m, 200 m, and 4 × 100 m relay. Ofilli made her Olympic debut in the women’s 200m at the 2024 Paris Games, placing sixth in the finals. Her sporting allegiance changed from Nigeria to Turkey in 2025. She won a silver medal in the 400 metres at the 2019 African Games and silver in the 200m at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. She also won the bronze medal in the 2021 World Under-20 Championships in the 200 metres. Ofilli is the African indoor record holder in the 200 m event, as well as the Nigerian record holder at U20 level with a time of 21.96 seconds, making her the first Nigerian woman (and second African woman) to break the 22-second barrier. In April 2022, she ran 10.93 seconds in the 100 m, making her the first female NCAA athlete to run sub-11s and sub-22s. She is the current 150-metre world record holder, having broken it on May 17, 2025, at the Adidas Atlanta City Games in 15.85 seconds. By doing so, she became the first woman ever to run 150 meters in under 16 seconds, beating Shaunae Miller-Uibo’s previous record of 16.23 s. She became the second-fastest indoor 200 m runner in collegiate history (behind Abby Steiner) in February 2023, setting an African indoor mark of 22.36 seconds at the Tyson Invitational in Fayetteville, Arkansas. She received her bachelor’s degree in Sport and Fitness Administration/Management from Louisiana State University (USA) in December 2023. Following college, she signed a sponsorship with Adidas. Ofilli was born on December 31, 2002, in Delta State, Nigeria, and completed her primary and secondary education in Rivers State before relocating to the United States on scholarship.

Austin Azuka Okocha, popularly known as “Jay-Jay” Okocha, former Captain of Super Eagles of Nigeria, was born on August 14, 1973, and hails from Ogwashi-Uku in Aniocha South Local Government Area of the Anioma region. At his peak, he was widely celebrated as one of the greatest footballers to emerge from Africa, famed for his dazzling footwork, mesmerizing dribbles, and effortless control. Okocha’s football journey began with Enugu Rangers in 1990 and later moved to Borussia Neunkirchen and Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany, where he scored one of the most memorable goals in German football history. He later played for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Bolton Wanderers, mentoring young talents like Ronaldinho, and became a legend in the English Premier League. Internationally, Okocha earned 73 caps and scored 14 goals for Nigeria, winning the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and the Olympic gold medal in Atlanta 1996. He won BBC African Footballer of the Year in 2003 and 2004, was Nigerian Footballer of the Year seven times, and was named among Pelé’s Top 125 Greatest Living Footballers in 2004. Post-retirement, Okocha became Chairman of the Delta State Football Association and continues to mentor and develop young footballers.

Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, born on January 23, 1962, hailed from Illah, Oshimili North Local Government, Anioma region. Keshi is one of Nigeria’s greatest football icons, celebrated as a player, coach, and unifying national figure. He played for clubs including ACB Lagos, New Nigeria Bank, African Sports of Abidjan, and in Europe for Lokeren, Anderlecht, and RC Strasbourg. As captain of the Nigerian national team, he led the Super Eagles to the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations title and qualified them for the FIFA World Cup. Keshi later coached Nigeria, winning the 2013 AFCON, becoming one of only two men to win the tournament as both player and coach. He also coached Togo and Mali to World Cup qualifications. Keshi advocated for home-based players and grassroots football development. He passed away on June 7, 2016, leaving a legacy of leadership, discipline, and football excellence, inspiring future generations in Anioma and Nigeria.

Sunday Ogochukwu Oliseh, born on September 14, 1974, in Abavo, Ika South Local Government Area, Delta State, is a distinguished footballer and coach. A proud son of Anioma, Oliseh is known for intelligence, discipline, and leadership. He played professionally for Julius Berger FC, RFC Liège, Reggiana, 1. FC Köln, Borussia Dortmund, and Ajax Amsterdam, winning domestic titles and international recognition. He earned over 60 caps for Nigeria, played in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups, and won the 1994 AFCON and 1996 Olympic Games gold medal. Oliseh is known for his iconic long-range goal against Spain at the 1998 World Cup. As a UEFA Pro Licensed Coach, he has managed European clubs and led Nigeria’s national team (2015–2016). He is respected globally for his professionalism, tactical intelligence, and mentorship.

Nduka Odizor, nicknamed “The Duke,” hails from the Anioma region of Delta State. He is a retired professional tennis player who represented Nigeria internationally, including at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Odizor competed in Grand Slam tournaments such as Wimbledon and the US Open, achieving notable singles and doubles success. He reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 52 in 1984 and earned a reputation for aggressive play, resilience, and sportsmanship, making him one of Nigeria’s most successful tennis exports.

Nduka Ugbade, born in 1966, hails from the Anioma region of Delta State. He is a celebrated former footballer and captain of Nigeria’s U-16 national team, leading them to victory in the 1985 FIFA U-16 World Championship in China. Ugbade’s playing career was marked by leadership, tactical intelligence, and defensive prowess. After retiring, he became a coach and mentor, nurturing young Nigerian talents and contributing to grassroots football development, creating a lasting legacy in Nigerian and African football.