By: Sunny Canto
Amazingly, it was an action-packed and electrifying opening day One of the MTN CHAMPS Grand Final at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, with the spotlight firmly on qualification rounds in the 400m across all four age categories, alongside the men’s and women’s 100m events.
However, the athletes delivered impressive performances across the board, with MTN CHAMPS Ibadan newly named Ambassador: Enoch Adegoke who secured top spot at the men’s 100m heats, posting the overall fastest time of 10.30s, a Season’s Best (SB). He was closely followed by Tejiri Godwin and Chidera Ezeakor, who both clocked an identical time of 10.32s.
While in the senior women’s category 100m heats, Maria Thompson Omokwe took the lead with a record of 11.42s to emerge as the best overall winner as the current National Champion Chioma Nweke followed suite in 11.70s, and Lydia Ajayi Bibilomo settled at third position with a time of 11.81s.
Morealso, in the men's 400m, Sisan Efejuku recorded the fastest time overall, stopping the clock at 47.70s. He narrowly edged Ezekiel Asuquo (47.71s), with Sikiru Adeyemi next in 47.93s in a tightly contested field.
Astonishing performance from Pemisire Adedoyin Adepoju in the women’s 400m qualifiers with a Personal Best (PB) of 54.28s. Udo Udot chlined second at 54.39s, and Comfort James emerged third in a PB of 54.87s.
Fascinatingly, Ghana's Kazali Iddrisu dominated the Junior men’s division with an impressive time of 47.83s, beating both Muhammad Mumuni Abdul (48.10s) and Perfect Faye (48.14s).
Treasure Okereke stunned with a glorious performance in the Junior girls’ category, leading the field with 53.15s while Becky Ebiyade (53.85s) and Faustina Obi (54.33s) settled for third position.
Lasisi Afeez led the Youth boys’ 400m with a lifetime best of 51.13s. He was followed by Team MVP’s Zikirullahi Ibrahim (51.91s) and Abdulmuhiz Abefe (52.31s).
In the Youth girls’ event, Team MVP’s Chisom Ezeh controlled proceedings with a winning time of 57.27s. Faith John finished second overall in 58.23s, while Team MTN’s Chizoba Onyemauwa followed in 58.39s.
The Cadet boys’ 400m, Miracle Ebube Odi posted the fastest overall time of 1:00.64, finishing ahead of David Odunsaya (1:02.44) and Joshua Mankinde (1:04.13).
Sidiqut Taiwo Baruwa dominated the Cadet girls’ 400m, running 1:01.39 to finish well clear of Aderemi Deborah (1:04.29) and Treasure Omenonye (1:05.86).
Field Events
Ruqqayah Kemi Mustapha won the women’s Discus Throw with a mark of 45.34m, ahead of Benin Republic’s Brigitte Tchede (42.88m) and Emurieze Esther (40.71m).
Babatunde Smith claimed victory in the Youth boys’ High Jump with a new Personal Best of 1.93m, finishing ahead of Ehuwa Obanla (1.80m) and Rex Awode.
