The opening day of the AFN Golden League Series delivered electrifying performances at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, with several athletes recording personal and season’s bests across track and field events.
In the men’s senior Discus Throw (2kg), 19-year-old Nyherhovwo Benaiah Ofuoku dominated the event with a massive throw of 45.95m to finish first. His effort not only secured victory but also marked a new personal best, further highlighting his rapid rise in the discipline. Chineme Akachiukwu Nweke placed second with 38.10m, another personal best, while Emmanuel Shakamomodu Audu settled for third with a season’s best throw of 36.27m in a competitive field.
The men’s 100m final produced a thrilling sprint showdown as Chidera Ezeakor stormed to victory in 10.32 seconds with a legal wind reading of +0.4. Tejiri Godwin followed closely in 10.37 seconds to claim second place with a personal best performance, while Gift Bright crossed the line in 10.49 seconds for third, also recording a new personal best in a race that showcased impressive sprint depth.
In the women’s 100m final, Chinoso Courage Odika led from start to finish, clocking 11.69 seconds to secure gold. Mariam Jegede finished second in 11.74 seconds, with Ejiro Peter completing the podium in 11.76 seconds after a tightly contested race.
The men’s long jump event was equally captivating. Romeo Bernard leapt to a wind-assisted 7.63m (+0.6) to take top spot and register a new personal best. Hope Okoro and Nkemakolam Godswill both recorded identical jumps of 7.35m, but Okoro claimed second place on countback, edging ahead on the strength of his series. Jeffrey Miracle Onyia (7.22m) and Anthony Lucky Omosohwofa (7.14m) completed the top five in a closely fought contest.
In the women’s senior Javelin Throw (600g), Victoria Effiom Kparika delivered one of the standout performances of the day, throwing 47.89m to set a new personal best and comfortably claim victory. Peace Udochukwu Eze followed in second with 43.27m, also a personal best, while Gladys Ugbome placed third with 30.79m. Ikomwosa Edith Enoma finished fourth with 30.45m.
With athletes consistently breaking personal and seasonal records, day one of the Golden League has raised expectations for even more outstanding displays as the competition continues in Benin City.
