The 2024 Nigeria athletics trials will come alive in Benin today with the country’s elite stars battling for pride and national team selection for the African Athletics championships.
From 100mh world record holder, Amusan to American collegiate superstars, the 2024 Nigeria athletics trials won’t be short of stars and surprises.
SportsIntel previews some of the flashpoints of the national trials with the stars and dark horses to look out for.
The men’s 100m defending champion, Usheoritse Itsekiri will be up against the former champion, Favor Ashe, at the National Trials in Benin.
In the Men’s 100m leader table, Ashe is the current National Leader.
With the men’s 100m depth this season, 9 athletes have run faster than 10.19s.
Nigerian trio of Favor Ashe, Ajayi Kanyisola, and Godson Brume finished 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at the NCAA national final.
2024 Nigeria Athletics Trials: Star Girl And Rose
Favour Ofili took on a stacked field to win at the NYC Grand Prix in a season-best of 11.18 into a massive headwind of 2.1 m/s.
She wins ahead of Morolake Akinsosun who came next in 11.20s and Aleia Hobbs in 11.21s.
The fastest African to run the 150m dethroning Marie Ta Lou-Smith’s record of 16.60s will face an uphill battle against Rosemary Chukwuma.
Rosemary Chukwuma signs off from the collegiate circuit with a bronze place finish in the women’s 100m dash final with 10.90s(2.2).
Tima Godbless will also have a say in the women’s 100m after a sterling season at the NCAA.
As a freshman, Tima made the finals in three events, 100m, 200m, and 4X100m at the NCAA national final.
Queen Of High Jump With No Rival In Sight
Only a year in the collegiate system, Temitope Adeshina set a new Nigerian record and won bronze in her college season.
Also, Temitope made the podium at the NCAA and will be in Paris for the Olympic games.
2024 Nigeria Athletics Trials: Women’s and Men’s 400m
2024 is the year of revival for 400m in Nigeria with current and youngsters rolling back the years.
In May, Ella Onojuvwevwo stormed to a massive Personal Best (PB) of 50.57s in the women’s 400m at the SEC Outdoor Championships in Florida, surpassing the Olympic standard of 51.00s to make the final.
After that race, she ran two more sub-51s to show her growth.
Ella is currently the fastest Nigerian woman in over 20 years, since the legendary Falilat Ogunkoya.
At the Nigerian athletics trials, she will be up against, oldies but Goldie, Patience George, and other rising women’s 400m stars.
Days before the trials, Chidi Okezie broke the elite 45 seconds with 44.97s for the first time in his career, defeating Wil London III who ran 45.55s, and DaeQwan Butler in identical time for 3rd.
Chidi will be up against Samual Ogazi, the rising star of Nigeria’s 400m as both own the two fastest 400m-time by a Nigerian this year.
Amusan and Others in 100m Hurdles
Tobi Amusan is expected to win the 100mh while others battle for second and third. Adaobi Tabugo looks likely the best bet to challenge the women’s 100m hurdles after declaring to run for Nigeria.
The New Faces
US-born Alexander Chukwukelu will be competing at the Nigerian Olympic Trials starting today. Last year, he won the 110mH Bronze medal at the USA U20 Championships.
Other new faces include Moforehan Abinusawa (100m & 200m); Adaobi Tabugbo (100m Hurdles) & Israel Adesina (Discus & Shot Put).
