Stars who shone at AFN trials

The much anticipated Athletics Federation of Nigeria National Trails, which started on Sunday and rounded off on Tuesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City left so many promises in their wake and painted a bright future for Nigerian athletics.

Records tumbled, with some athletes recording firsts, as the country’s mini-Olympics lived up to its billings by all standards, perfectly serving the purpose of selecting athletes to represent the country at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the African Senior Athletics Championships in Douala, Cameroon, for which the AFN announced a strong list of 40 athletes, including Tobi Amusan, Favour Ofili, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi and Chidi Okezie.

Drawing the curtains on the thrilling three-day event, Minister of Sports Development John Enoh emphasised the importance of supporting track and field, the sport that has earned the most medals for the country in Olympics history.

Here are the athletes that put up hair-raising performances:

MEN

Kanyinsola Ajayi (100m)

Ajayi became the fastest man in Nigeria after winning the men’s 100m race in 10.14secs, finishing ahead of Alaba Akintola, who ran 10.16secs for second position, and Usheoritse Itsekiri, who came in third in 10.22secs.

Alex Chukwukelu (110m Hurdles)

Chukwukelu, a Texas native who hasn’t visited Nigeria since 2010, ran 13.92secs to secure gold. He began the title chase by running the best time in the preliminary round at 13.82secs on his senior international debut.

Sunday Okon (200m)

Okon pulled an upset in the men’s 200m final, storming to a new personal best of 20.80secs to win. He defeated Alaba Akintola, who was second in 20.81secs, while third-place Consider Ekanem followed in 20.88secs.

Dubem Amene (400m)

Amene succeeded in his vengeance mission, winning his first national 400m title in a time of 45.44secs. Emmanuel Ojeli was second in a Season’s Best 45.69secs, just edging out Dubem Nwachukwu, who posted 45.70secs (SB).

Rilwan Alowonle (400m Hurdles)

Alowonle emerged the champion by clocking a time of 51.74secs ahead of Oseiwe Salami, who placed second with a PB of 52.50secs.

Chukwuebuka Enekwechi (Shot Put)

Enekwechi won his fourth consecutive shot put national title with a mark of 21.37m, needing just three attempts to achieve the feat.

Prosper Chinecherem (Javelin)

Chinecherem threw 77.73m to claim the title, remaining dominant on the national scene since his first triumph in 2021.

Best Erhire (High Jump)

Erhire jumped 2.25m for the first time in his career to win his second national title. He attempted 2.28m but missed all three attempts.

Erhire, a student of Business Management at Texas Tech University, will be looking to one day surpass Anthony Idiata’s national record of 2.27m.

 WOMEN

Chioma Onyekwere (Discus)

Donning her branded kit, Onyekwere threw 59.43m to win the title, beating African Games champion Obiageri Amaechi, who threw 59.25m for second place. Ashley Anumba finished third in the event with a throw of 57.00m.

Favour Ofili (100m)

Ofili won her first 100m national title, powering to a season’s best (SB) of 11.06s (+0.1), an automatic Olympic qualification.

Precious Nzeakor (200m)

Nzeakor won the women’s 200m national title in a new personal best (PB) of 23.14s. She edged Olayinka Olajide, who was second in a PB of 23.17secs, while Ella Onojuvwevwo was third in 23.73secs.

Tobi Amusan (100m Hurdles)

World record holder Amusan was in a class of her own, exerting her dominance to storm to her fourth consecutive 100m hurdles national title. She powered through to the finish, clocking a time of 12.78secs ahead of Adaobi Tabugbo, who finished second in 13.33s.

Esther Joseph (400m)

Joseph emerged the women’s 400m champion fending off the challenge of Patience Okon-George in 51.70secs. Okon-George ran her fastest time in five years, finishing second in 51.76secs, while Imaobong Nse Uko finished third in a Season’s Best of 52.04secs.

Ronke Akanbi (1500m)

Akanbi, an SS3 student at Egbado College in Ilaro, put up a thrilling performance to win the women’s title, storming to a big PB of 4:19.49. It was the second fastest time ever by a Nigerian woman, after being pushed all the way by Comfort James, the 800m champion.