Personal Bests galore as AFN Golden League lights up Benin City
The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City once again proved a theatre of excellence as the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Golden League roared to life with a cascade of personal bests and electrifying performances.
Just three days after hosting the Niger Delta Games, the iconic tartan track was ablaze with speed and power.
Chidera Ezeakor stormed to victory in the men’s 100m, clocking 10.32 seconds with a legal wind reading of +0.4. Tejiri Godwin followed closely in 10.37 seconds a new personal best while Gift Bright secured third in 10.49 seconds, also a lifetime best, in a race that highlighted the depth of Nigeria’s sprinting talent.
In the women’s 100m final, Chinoso Courage Odika powered home in 11.69 seconds to take top spot. Mariam Jegede finished second in 11.74 seconds, with Ejiro Peter completing the podium in 11.76 seconds in a tightly contested showdown.
Field events produced their own spectacle. In the men’s senior discus (2kg), 19-year-old Nyherhovwo Benaiah Ofuoku dominated with a commanding throw of 45.95m a new personal best that reinforced his growing status as a rising star. Chineme Akachiukwu Nweke followed with 38.10m, also a personal best, while Emmanuel Shakamomodu Audu claimed third with a season’s best of 36.27m.
The men’s long jump final was equally explosive as Romeo Bernard soared to a wind-assisted 7.63m (+0.6) to clinch victory and set a new personal best. Hope Okoro and Nkemakolam Godswill both leapt 7.35m, with Okoro claiming second on countback. Jeffrey Miracle Onyia (7.22m) and Anthony Lucky Omosohwofa (7.14m) rounded out a fiercely competitive top five.
In the women’s senior javelin (600g), Victoria Effiom Kparika delivered the standout throw of the day, launching the spear to 47.89m a personal best that left the field trailing. Peace Udochukwu Eze finished second with 43.27m, also a personal best, while Gladys Ugbome (30.79m) and Ikomwosa Edith Enoma (30.45m) completed the top four.
With multiple athletes recording personal and season’s best performances on Day One, the Golden League has already set an exhilarating tone in Benin City, promising even more fireworks as competition continues.
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