Presented with a chance to compete, Nigerian athletes came out in droves at the opening leg of the AFN Golden League that held at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, with Patience Okon-George delivering one of the most impressive performances as she won the women’s 400m in a Season’s Best (SB) of 51.92s.
This came after her 52.59s clocking in the heats. She finished ahead of Joseph Esther Elo in 53.54s, and Chioma Princess in 53.62s, while her time makes her the 3rd fastest Nigerian this season behind Imaobong Nse Uko and Ella Onojuvwevwo.
Likewise in the men’s race, one of the breakout stars of the African Junior Championships in Zambia, Samuel Ogazi, won in a new Personal Best (PB) of 45.91s. He shaved one-tenth of a second off his previous marker in Ndola, Zambia, and beat Johnson Chidera to the finish in 46.54s and Victory Achakpoekri in 46.79s.
Gafar Audu won the men’s 100m in 10.39s (0.5), holding off Consider Elkanem by a hair’s breadth, with the latter returning 10.40s. Kanyinsola Ajayi placed 3rd in 10.42s.
The women’s event was won by Victory Godah in 11.56s (0.3), good enough to beat Praise Ofoku who posted a Season’s Best (SB) of 11.62s, and Balikis Yakubu in 11.69s.
In the men’s 200m, Consider Elkanem stormed to the overall fastest time of 21.29s to win his heat, while Israel Okon Sunday posted 21.35s to dominate Heat 7. MoC’s Favour Ekpekpe clocked the third fastest time of 21.62s in Heat 3.
The women’s race was taken by Rejoice Adijatu Sule in 24.12s, and was followed by Sarah Owoeye in 24.38s. Praise Ofoku won Heat 5 in 24.39s – the third overall fastest time.
On the infield, Esther Osisike threw 51.60m to win the women’s Discus, as Hannah Kemele won the Shot Put with 16.11m. African U-20 Champion Peace Ewa also won the women’s High Jump with a 1.75m clearance while Lucky Fiaku won the men’s with 2.10m.
