Favour Ofili returned home for the first time in three years to compete at the Athletics Federation of Nigeria National Championships and she did confirm her ratings as the hottest runner on the African continent at the moment.
Enthusiastic spectators at the at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City including Athletics Federation of Nigeria president Tonobok Okowa, Edo State Athletics Association Chairman, Dele Edokpayi, Solomon Ogba and top other dignitaries were on their feets as Ofili coasted home to an 11.06 seconds run to reconfirm her qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics starting in July.
“It’s exciting to be back here and put up this kind of performance. I’m looking forward to the Olympics and also coming up with a big performance,” said the former junior athlete who was cheered on by her family members and fans with a life size banner.
The athletics family did not see the expected showdown between her and Rosemary Chukwuma and Tima Godbless, who opted out to run the 200m.
But home girls Olayinka Olajide and Justina Tianna Eyakpobeyan were on hand to give Ofili a run for her money. Olajide was second with 11.37 seconds season best, while Eyakpobeyan who recently won the the 100m in the CAA Region 2 championship in Accra, Ghana came third with 11.47 seconds.
In the men’s 100m, Kanyinsola Ajayi won his first national title with a time of 10.14 seconds. Alaba Akintola came second in 10.16 seconds and defending champion Usheoritse Itsekiri in 10.22 seconds.
Ajayi’s time is not good enough for the Olympics as he needs to run 10.00 seconds to land in the fashion capital, Paris. He has the chance to do it again at the African Championships next week in Doula, Cameroon.
In other finals concluded Sunday evening, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi successfully defended his shotput title with a 21.37m effort. It is his fourth straight glory and five overall after winning on his debut in the Championship in Sapele, Delta State, South South, Nigeria, eight years ago.
The National Trails enters Day 2 today (Monday) and competition starts at 3pm local time with the long jump in heptathlon followed by the men’s discus final.
