February 19, (THEWILL) – At the African Games National Trials held on Sunday in Asaba, race favourite Consider Ekanem disappointed fans by failing to advance past the men’s 100m final. Ekanem was disqualified for a false start, dashing expectations.
In his absence, Israel Okon Sunday claimed gold in 10.20sec, while Fakorede Adekalu (10.26sec) and Enoch Adegoke (10.30sec) took silver and bronze.
The women’s 100m final saw a far more dominant performance by Olayinka Olajide. She pulled away from the pack to win in 11.19sec, a personal best. Bless Ogundiran took silver in 11.50sec, with Favour Onyebuchi claiming bronze in 11.66sec.
Afterwards, former Nigerian sprinter, Gabriel Okon, expressed optimism about the country’s male runners despite Ekanem’s setback. He believes proper training and motivation can help Nigeria regain African sprinting prominence following legend Olusoji Fasuba’s retirement.
Okon singled out talents like Godson Brume, Udodi Onwuzurike and Alaba Akintola as having potential for greatness. Okon also welcomed Ruth Usoro’s emergence in the women’s long jump. He predicted Usoro’s rivalry with Ese Brume will motivate both to excel, securing gold and silver for Nigeria moving forward.
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