Blessing Ogundiran sprints to national 100m crown as Enekwechi extends shot put reign
US-based sprinter Blessing Ogundinran announced herself as Nigeria’s newest women’s 100 metres champion after powering to victory at the 2026 Commonwealth Games National Trials in Lagos.
Ogundinran clocked 11.12 seconds in a fiercely contested final to secure the national title, holding off teenage sensation Miracle Ezechukwu, who produced a stunning personal best of 11.15 seconds to finish second. Olajide Olayinka completed the podium with a time of 11.28 seconds.
The triumph capped an emotional journey for Ogundinran, who revealed she endured a difficult four-day trip from the United States before arriving in Lagos for the championships.
Reflecting on her winning run, she credited her coach’s advice for helping her stay composed under pressure.
"When I was at the start block, I was thinking of what my coach told me that I should just execute my race and not panic, and that was what I did," Ogundinran said.
"It was a tough time getting here after travelling for almost four days due to what happened in the US, but I am grateful to God that I am going back with the title."
Elsewhere, Nigerian shot put king Chukwuebuka Enekwechi continued his remarkable dominance by claiming a record fifth national trials title, throwing 21.46 metres to once again stamp his authority on the event.
In the hammer throw, Oyesade Oyetayo emerged victorious with a best effort of 65.07 metres.
Attention now shifts to the eagerly anticipated men’s 100 metres showdown on Wednesday. Among those advancing to the semifinals after winning their heats are Favour Ashe, Chidera Ezeakor, Fakorede Adekalu, Tejiri Godwin, and Enoch Adegoke, setting the stage for a thrilling sprint battle.
The 400 metres semifinals also produced several standout performances, with experienced campaigner Patience Okon-George progressing alongside IyanuOluwa Aderemi, whose personal best of 51.86 seconds highlighted the women’s event. Taiwo Kudoro, Faith Ezechukwu, Jecinter Lawrence, and Becky Ebiyadi also secured places in the final.
In the men’s 400 metres, Emmanuel Ojeli, Sikiru Adeyemi, Victor Sampson, Samson Nathaniel, Victory Achakpoekri, and Tyler Johnson all advanced to the championship race.
The final day of competition promises more fireworks as athletes battle for Commonwealth Games places in the 200 metres and 400 metres finals, as well as the 100 metres hurdles and 110 metres hurdles events.
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