The second day of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Commonwealth Games Trials produced thrilling performances at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, with sprint star Blessing Ogundiran emerging as the new women’s 100m national champion.
Ogundiran, who has enjoyed an impressive season, stormed to victory in the women’s 100m final, clocking 11.12 seconds to extend her unbeaten run and secure the national title.
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The US-based sprinter was pushed all the way by the fast-rising Miracle Oluebube Ezechukwu, who delivered a lifetime best of 11.15 seconds to claim silver, while Olajide Olayinka settled for bronze in 11.28 seconds.
In the women’s hammer throw, former African champion Oyesade Olatoye underlined her dominance by claiming a fifth national title.
Olatoye produced a winning throw of 65.05m to continue her remarkable run at the national championships and strengthen her case for another successful outing in Team Nigeria colours at the Commonwealth Games.
One of the standout stories of the day came from Chidi Okezie. The African Games 400m champion arrived from the United States only a day earlier, after the completion of the men’s 400m heats.
To keep his championship hopes alive, Okezie competed in a solo qualification race and comfortably clocked 48.53 seconds, earning a place in the semi-finals.
The women’s 400m event also set up a fascinating final after experienced campaigner Patience Okon-George and emerging talent Aderemi Iyanuoluwa booked their places in contrasting fashion. Okon-George cruised through her semi-final in 52.15 seconds, while Iyanuoluwa produced a huge personal best of 51.86 seconds, setting the stage for an exciting battle between experience and youth.
In the men’s 400m hurdles, Salami Oseiwe sent a strong message to his rivals by posting the fastest time across all heats. The in-form hurdler clocked 51.92 seconds to comfortably progress to the next round.
The men’s 100m heats also delivered impressive performances from several of Nigeria’s leading sprinters.
Former national champion Favour Ashe looked sharp as he cruised to victory in his heat in 10.25 seconds, while National Sports Festival champion Fakorede Adekalu secured his place in the next round with a winning time of 10.28 seconds.
Chidera Nzeakor also impressed, running 10.26 seconds to win his heat and advance to the semi-finals, while two-time national champion Enoch Adegoke maintained his pursuit of another title after easing to victory in 10.42 seconds.
With several finals still to come and places on Team Nigeria for the 2026 Commonwealth Games at stake, the championships continue to produce high-quality performances and intense competition in Lagos.
