Ofili,Tima Godbless, Ajayi,Enekwechi,Others Shine At AFN Olympics Trials In Benin

Ofili,Tima Godbless, Ajayi,Enekwechi,Others Shine At AFN Olympics Trials In Benin

*Rosemary Ugiomoh*
&

*Imuetinyanosa Daniel*

Tima Godbless, Favour Ofili, Kanyinsola Ajayi,Enekwechi, Others are amongst athletes showing their skills at the ongoing AFN Olympics Trials In Benin City ,Edo state.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN),organisers of the National trials which prepares athletes for the upcoming Olympics games has its first day with athletes in high spirit. The event was declared open yesterday Sunday 16th June 2024.

The federation president, Chief Tonobok Okowa has assured all that only the best of the best athletes in the National trials will be fielded to represent Nigeria in Paris.

He further stated that A- list athletes in the ongoing National trials will be selected for Cameroon ,and the Paris Olympics Games.

Though the weather was posing some threats at early commencement but with time it turned out to be very peaceful.

All athletes were set to perform. Gadgets were put in place for the trials at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

Athletes will compete for the 8 available slots.

Several Nigerian althetes are preparing for the Paris Olympics.

The team are set to sort out the fastest ,fit, athletes, for the track and field events respectively.

Results for Day 1 AFN Olympics trials are :

Kayinsola Ajayi storm ahead of others in 10.14s to win the men’s 100m ,making a quick reminder of his proficiency in the NCAA circuit coming home with a Bronze medal, Ajayi was crowned best with a commanding time of 10.18 in the semifinals, his fastest time .

Alaba Akintola placed second, closely in 10.16s, while Usheoritse Itsekiri (last year champion )claimed 3rd in 10.22s.

In the women’s category :
Favour Ofili won with a striking time of 11.06s to grab her maiden women’s 100m title.

The National 200m Record Holder qualified, she is an athlete to watch out.

2nd Place was Olayinka Olajide with a record time of 11.37s while Justina Eyakpobeyan came 3rd in 11.47s respectively.

Ofili and Tima Godbless will stand as Nigerian female sprinter for 100m and 200m at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Two-time African Games Champion, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi brought victory home as he claimed his fourth consecutive National Shot Put Title with 21.37m which was classified formidable and professional at the National Trials held by the Athletic Federation of Nigeria in Benin.

Result compilations are ongoing as the selection continues at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City till Tuesday 18th June 2024.

The current African Leader who held his National Record of 21.91m about four weeks ago at the Prefontaine Classic in Oregon,single handedly placed everyone behind to win his fifth National title in total, beside his first GOLD in 2016.

2nd position goes to Emeka Ugwu with 16.51m while Emmanuel Audu placed 3rd with 14.57m.

The National Record holder Enekwechi will represent Nigeria at the African Championships, and Olympics in Paris.
this connotes his second consecutive appearances at the Games.

In addition he will mark his 3rd appearance at the African Athletics Championships next week.