By Wale Joseph
The AFN Golden League begins with outstanding and high-quality performances at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, with athletes posting a wave of personal and season’s bests across several events
In the men’s senior discus, 19-year-old Nyherhovwo Benaiah Ofuoku dominated the field with a superb throw of 45.95m to clinch gold. The mark represents a new personal best for the youngster, further highlighting his potential in the event. Chineme Akachiukwu Nweke placed second with 38.10m, also a personal best, while Emmanuel Shakamomodu Audu claimed third with a season’s best of 36.27m
The men’s 100m final was another highlight of the day. Chidera Ezeakor surged to victory in 10.32 seconds with a legal wind reading of +0.4. Tejiri Godwin finished closely behind in 10.37 seconds to record a new personal best, while Gift Bright clocked 10.49 seconds, also a personal best, to complete the podium in a race that showcased impressive sprint depth.
In the women’s 100m, Chinoso Courage Odika led from start to finish, crossing the line in 11.69 seconds. Mariam Jegede followed in 11.74 seconds for second place, while Ejiro Peter secured third in 11.76 seconds in a tightly contested final.
The men’s long jump final produced equally exciting action. Romeo Bernard leapt to 7.63m with a +0.6 wind reading to seal victory 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. Jeffrey Miracle Onyia (7.22m) and Anthony Lucky Omosohwofa (7.14m) completed the top five in a competitive field.
In the women’s senior javelin throw, Victoria Effiom Kparika delivered one of the standout performances of the day with a personal best of 47.89m to take gold, Peace Udochukwu Eze was also impressed with a personal best of 43.27m for second place, while Gladys Ugbome finished third with 30.79m, just ahead of Ikomwosa Edith Enoma, who threw 30.45m.
With numerous personal and season’s bests recorded on the first day, the Golden League has set an exciting tone in Benin City. The performances suggest that even bigger marks and faster times could follow as the competition continues.
