Golden League light up Benin as Personal Bests rain on opening day

Golden League light up Benin as Personal Bests rain on opening day

Benin City witnessed a flurry of personal bests and impressive performances as the first day of the AFN Golden League Series lit up the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium with thrilling action across track and field.

In the men’s senior Discus Throw (2kg) final, Nyherhovwo Benaiah Ofuoku stamped his authority on the circle with a commanding throw of 45.95m to claim top spot.

The 19-year-old’s effort marked a new personal best, underlining his growing reputation as one of the country’s brightest prospects in the event.

Chineme Akachiukwu Nweke followed in second with a solid 38.10m, also a personal best, while Emmanuel Shakamomodu Audu secured third place with 36.27m, a season’s best that capped an impressive outing for the Edo State Sports Commission athlete.

On the track, Chidera Ezeakor powered to victory in the men’s 100m, clocking 10.32 seconds with a legal wind reading of +0.4.

Tejiri Godwin finished strongly in second place in 10.37 seconds, a new personal best, while Gift Bright returned 10.49 seconds to seal third, another personal best in a race that underlined the depth of sprinting talent on display.

In the women’s 100m final, Chinoso Courage Odika powered to victory in 11.69s, edging out Mariam Jegede who clocked 11.74s for 2nd place. Ejiro Peter completed the podium, finishing 3rd in 11.76s.

The men’s long jump final also produced fireworks. Romeo Bernard soared to a wind-assisted 7.63m (+0.6) to clinch victory and register a new personal best.

Hope Okoro and Nkemakolam Godswill both leapt 7.35m, separated only by countback, with Okoro taking second courtesy of his superior series. Jeffrey Miracle Onyia (7.22m) and Anthony Lucky Omosohwofa (7.14m) rounded out the top five in a tightly contested field.

The women’s senior Javelin Throw (600g) final was equally electric.

Victoria Effiom Kparika delivered the standout performance of the day, launching the spear to 47.89m, a personal best that left the rest of the field chasing shadows.

Peace Udochukwu Eze finished second with 43.27m, also a PB, while Gladys Ugbome claimed third with 30.79m. Ikomwosa Edith Enoma followed closely in fourth at 30.45m.

With multiple athletes hitting personal and season’s best marks on opening day, the Golden League Series has already set a high bar in Benin City.

If day one is anything to go by, fans can expect even faster times, longer leaps and bigger throws as the competition gathers pace.