by Deji OgeyingboAlaba Akintola and Nse Imaobong win big on Day 2 of the Nigerian Championships
After narrowly missing out on the 100m title for the second year running, former Middle Tennessee sprinter Alaba Akintola won his second consecutive national title in the men’s 200m as he coasted to victory in comfortable fashion.
Pulling ahead of the competition, he emerged as the clear winner, crossing the finish line with an impressive time of 20.67s. Usheoritse Itsekiri, who won the men’s 100m title on Day 1, claimed the second-place position with a time of 20.92s, while Adebisi Musibau finished third in 21.00s. With back-to-back victories, Alaba Akintola has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with in Nigerian athletics.
In an intense battle for the women’s title, Faith Okwose emerged victorious and claimed her first senior National title in the closely contested 200m final. Crossing the finish line in the first place, Okwose secured the win with a time of 23.51s, edging out Tiana Eyakpobeyan by a mere two-hundredths of a second, as Eyakpobeyan settled for second place with a time of 23.53s. Rejoice Sule finished in third place with a time of 23.79s.
Despite her presence in the athletic scene for a considerable period, it comes as a surprise that Nse Imaobong Uko has only just claimed her first National title in the 400m event since her debut as a Youth athlete. Demonstrating excellent pacing, Uko emerged victorious with a time of 52.07s, Omolara Omotosho secured second place with 52.87 seconds, and Queen Usunobun finished third with a time of 53.16s.
When it comes to delivering exceptional performances under pressure, few athletes compare to the remarkable Chidi Okezie. With a mastery of timing and execution, Okezie showcased his clutch abilities again by surging ahead and claiming another 400m National title. Crossing the finish line with an outstanding Season’s Best (SB) time of 45.83s.
Prosper Ekporere’s victory in the men’s 110m Hurdles final will forever be etched in his memory as he gave his all to secure his first-ever National title. Displaying remarkable speed and skill, Ekporere left his competitors trailing behind as he raced ahead, setting a new Personal Best of 13.66s. The time means he has moved to number nine on the all-time list of Nigeria’s fastest hurdlers.
After being crowned the Sports Festival champion in December, Ashley Anumba continued her impressive athletic journey by securing the title of Nigerian champion in women’s Discus. Demonstrating her remarkable skill and determination, Anumba achieved this feat in exceptional fashion, setting a new PB in the process. With a phenomenal throw measuring 61.98m, she not only claimed her first National title but also earned valuable ranking points, placing her on the verge of qualifying for the prestigious Budapest competition.
Anumba’s remarkable performance in the women’s Discus event brings a healthy level of competition to the women’s Discuss in Nigeria. Chioma Onyekwere, who is the African and Commonwealth Games Champion, will be looking to reclaim her title next year.
