Sports
Ashe, Nwokocha Are Nigeria’s Fastest Man, Woman
The national trials in Benin City, Edo State to pick athletes for this year’s World Athletics Championship in Oregon, United States and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom, at weekend produced new 100m champions in the men and women’s events respectively.
United States-based sprinter, Ashe Favour, emerged the fastest Nigerian in the 100m km, beating a field of star athletes to win in 9.99seconds.
The defending champion, Enoch Adegoke, who equally ran 9.99 seconds to win in last year’s event at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, could not make it to the final due to injury.
At yesterday’s final, Ashe proved his worth as one of Nigeria’s athletes to look out for in Oregon and Birmingham, as he powered to the finish line to become the 12th Nigerian to break the under 10.00 second.
Alaba Akintola was second in 10.00 seconds, while Godson Brume finished third in 10.00 seconds. Old-timer and London-based Seyi Ogunlewe placed fourth in 10.22 seconds.
In the women’s 100m race, Grace Nwokocha ran 11.06 seconds to win, while Rosemary Chukwuma was second in 11.07 seconds and Tima Godbless finished third in 11.38 seconds. Blessing Okagbare, who won the 100m title last year, is currently serving a 10-year ban due to drugs-related issues.
Perhaps, one major event that caught the attention of everyone at the stadium yesterday was the 100m hurdles final, where Tobi Amusan set a new championship record of 12.54seconds.
Speaking on the records, and excited President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Tonobok Okowa, said that the nation would give other countries a good challenge in the race for medals in Oregon in July and Birmingham in August.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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