Benin City came alive with thrilling track and field action on Sunday as the opening day of the AFN Golden League Series produced a wave of personal bests at the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
Athletes from across the country delivered standout performances, underlining the growing depth and competitiveness of Nigerian athletics as the series got underway in impressive fashion.
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In the men’s senior Discus Throw (2kg), Nyherhovwo Benaiah Ofuoku dominated the field with a commanding throw of 45.95m to claim first place.
The 19-year-old’s effort marked a new personal best and further established him as one of Nigeria’s most promising talents in the event.
Chineme Akachiukwu Nweke finished second with a personal best of 38.10m, while Emmanuel Shakamomodu Audu placed third with a season’s best throw of 36.27m.
The men’s 100m final showcased depth and quality, with Chidera Ezeakor sprinting to victory in 10.32 seconds with a legal wind reading of +0.4.
Tejiri Godwin followed closely in second place, clocking a personal best of 10.37 seconds, while Gift Bright secured third in 10.49 seconds, also a personal best.
In the women’s 100m final, Chinoso Courage Odika powered home to win in 11.69 seconds. Mariam Jegede finished second in 11.74 seconds, while Ejiro Peter completed the podium with a time of 11.76 seconds in a closely contested race.
The men’s long jump final delivered further excitement as Romeo Bernard leapt to a wind-assisted 7.63m (+0.6) to claim victory and register a new personal best.
Hope Okoro and Nkemakolam Godswill both recorded jumps of 7.35m, with Okoro taking second place on countback. Jeffrey Miracle Onyia (7.22m) and Anthony Lucky Omosohwofa (7.14m) rounded out the top five.
In the women’s senior Javelin Throw (600g), Victoria Effiom Kparika produced one of the standout performances of the day, throwing 47.89m to win gold and set a new personal best.
Peace Udochukwu Eze finished second with a personal best of 43.27m, while Gladys Ugbome placed third with a throw of 30.79m. Ikomwosa Edith Enoma finished fourth with 30.45m.
With several athletes recording personal and season’s best marks on the opening day, the Golden League Series has set a high standard in Benin City.
The strong performances further reflect the impact of structured competition organised by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, as athletes continue to push their limits.
Fans can expect even faster times, longer jumps and bigger throws as the competition continues in the days ahead.
