By Akanimo Kufre
The second day of the MTN CHAMPS Continental Relays lived up to its billing on Thursday, delivering high-intensity action and standout performances at the Yabatech and University of Lagos (Unilag) Sports Complexes.
Veteran sprinter and six-time national champion Patience Okon-George proved her class once again in the women’s 400m, storming to victory with a Season’s Best (SB) of 52.67s. The African Games gold medalist extended her dominance from Day 1, finishing ahead of Team MTN’s Miracle Donald-Uwem (55.10s) and Pemisire Adepoju Adedoyin (56.29s).
In the men’s 400m, former national champion Samson Nathaniel claimed top honors, clocking 46.71s. Team MTN’s Benjamin Magaji equaled his Personal Best (PB) of 48.04s to secure second place, while Deji Sholotan came in third with a time of 48.31s.
Godson Brume Ashe delivered one of the most anticipated performances of the day, cruising to victory in the men’s 100m in 10.28s. Chidera Ezeakor (10.38s) and Thankgod Igube (10.49s) followed in second and third places respectively.
The women’s 100m final saw Iyanoluwa Bada clinch the title with a wind-aided 11.30s (+2.6m/s), edging out Flore-Julie Krakre (11.86s) and Janet Adesiyan (11.90s).
In the junior events, John Caleb maintained his unbeaten form, storming to the men’s 100m title in 10.45s. He was trailed by Qudus Akintoye (10.65s) and Abdulrahman Jimoh (10.75s).
Team MTN’s Lucy Nwankwo headlined the junior women’s 100m final, breaking the 12-second barrier for the first time with a lifetime best of 11.99s. She led a Team MTN sweep, with Mercy Ogbonna (12.16s) and Azeezat Muhammed Raji (12.18s) completing the podium—all three athletes improving on their semifinal times.
In the distance events, Hamid Sambo emerged victorious in the men’s 1500m with a time of 3:59.12, while Ronke Akanbi took home the women’s title.
There was drama in the men’s Long Jump as Rukevwe Godsgift Nwagbowu upset favorite Ibukun Daramola with a winning leap of 7.47m. Daramola’s final jump of 7.39m earned him second place, while Jeffrey Miracle secured third with 7.25m.
Mary Adeniran claimed the women’s Long Jump crown, setting a new personal best of 6.14m. Glory Jarrett and Precious Okoronkwo followed in second and third places respectively.
The MTN CHAMPS Continental Relays continue to deliver a platform for Nigeria’s elite and emerging talents to shine, with more action expected as the meet progresses.