The AFN National Athletics Trials have solidified their status as the preeminent athletics event in Nigeria for 2024. This year’s trials were a spectacle, drawing both national and international athletes, including luminaries such as World Record holder Tobi Amusan, Rosemary Chukwuma, Tima Godbless, Favour Offili, Ajayi Kayinsola, and Alaba Akintola.
The event also showcased talents like Seye Ogunleye, Enoch Adegoke, Fakorede Adekalu, Temitope Adeshina, Udodi Nwanzurike, Favour Ashe, Godson Oghenebrume, Consider Ekanem, Israel Sunday, Okon Darlington Anonaga, and Samuel Ogazi, alongside many other foreign-based athletes.
The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin was a hive of activity, as states and clubs from within Nigeria and abroad presented their finest athletes. This year’s trials were particularly significant, serving as a qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the African Senior Athletics Championship, and the World Under-20 Athletics Championship.
Bayelsa’s Strong Presence
Bayelsa State was well represented, with three of its foreign-based athletes—Tima Godbless, Godah Victory, and Omolara—traveling from the United States to compete. The National Trials began with preliminary rounds, semi-finals, and finals for events such as the 100m (men and women), 400m, 800m, and long jump.
Bayelsa’s athletes made impressive marks from the start. In the men’s 100m, Tejiri Godwin, an under-20 athlete from Bayelsa, advanced from the preliminaries to the semi-finals, competing alongside a star-studded lineup of mostly foreign-based athletes. In the long jump, Opinion Precious qualified for the finals, finishing among the top five Nigerian athletes.
In the women’s 100m, Tima Godbless and Rosemary Chukwuma won their respective semi-finals but opted out of the finals to avoid injuries, having already qualified for the Olympics in the 100m event. Godah Victory also advanced to the finals after a strong performance in her semi-final.
Highlights of the Event
Favour Offili won the women’s 100m final in 11.06 seconds, securing her place in the Olympics and becoming the second Nigerian athlete to qualify in both the 100m and 200m events, alongside Tima Godbless. Olayinka Olajide finished second, with Justina Eyakpobeyan and Godah Victory taking third and fourth places, respectively.
In the men’s 100m final, Ajayi Kayinsola clinched victory with a time of 10.14 seconds, followed closely by Alaba Akintola and Itseikiri Usheoritise. Seye Ogunleye and Enoch Adegoke rounded out the top five.
World record holder Tobi Amusan dominated the women’s 100m hurdles, finishing first in 12.78 seconds. Adaobi Tabujo and Faith Osamuyi took second and third places, respectively. In the men’s 110m hurdles, Alex Chukwukelu triumphed with a time of 13.92 seconds, ahead of Wisdom Great Musa.
Field events on Day 2 saw National record holder Temitope Adeshina win the women’s high jump with a leap of 1.95m, followed by Ajagbawa Francesa and Eve Peace. In the men’s shot put, Chukwebuka Ene Kelechi set a new National record with a throw of 21.91m.
Looking Ahead
As the National Trials intensify on Day 3, with events like the 200m concluding, the selected athletes will soon travel to Cameroon on June 19, 2024, for the Senior African Athletics Championship. This will be the final qualifying phase for the Olympics at the African Zone level.
The AFN National Athletics Trials not only spotlight Nigeria’s athletic prowess but also serve as a critical platform for athletes to achieve their dreams of competing on the world stage. The dedication and hard work displayed by all participants promise a bright future for Nigerian athletics.
