Okon, Ezeh, Nwankwo Shine as MTN CHAMPS Continental Relays Open in Jos
The New Jos Stadium came alive on Day 1 of the MTN CHAMPS Continental Relays Season 4, as athletes delivered electrifying performances in the 100m and 400m events under cool, humid conditions.
Esther Okon claimed the first track final of the meet, storming to a Season’s Best of 53.61s to capture the women’s 400m crown.
MTN’s Toheebat Jimoh followed closely in 53.88s, while teammate Miracle Uwem Donald secured third place with 54.27s.
In the men’s 400m heats, Team MTN’s Ezekiel Asuquo led the charge with 47.43s, ahead of Mfoniso Frank (47.66s) and Pelumi Emmanuel (48.37s).
The youth divisions also produced standout performances. Dynamic Kaduna’s Faustina Obi was the only runner under 56 seconds in the Youth Girls’ 400m, clocking a Personal Best of 55.73s.
Team MTN dominated the Youth Girls’ heats, with Chizoba Onyemauwa, Patience Shepnan, and Calista Yunana posting the top three times. In the boys’ category, Nuhu Bamiyan, Zikirullah Ibrahim, and Abudmalik Aliyu emerged as the fastest qualifiers.
Michael Aniche, fresh off his victory in Calabar, continued his fine form in Jos, winning the men’s Junior 400m heats in 49.22s. He was followed by teammate Prosper Ushie (49.86s) and Chinedu Victor of Coach Felix Foundation (50.13s).
The women’s junior 100m is shaping up to be one of the highlights of the competition. Chigozie Rosemary Nwankwo of NUT led the field with a wind-assisted time of 11.46s (+2.1), while defending champion Miracle Ezechukwu cruised to 11.55s. MTN’s Lucy Nwankwo also impressed with a Season’s Best of 11.84s.
In the men’s 100m, MTN’s Emmanuel Akolo, who dominated the Youth Boys’ sprints in Calabar, stepped up to the Junior category and leads with 10.89s. Teammates Alvin Onyeama (10.90s) and Abdulfatah Oduwole (10.99s) followed closely.
The senior men’s heats saw Okechukwu Ezeh clock a Personal Best of 10.56s, edging Okisamen Divine Favour (10.58s) and Kabiru Mohammed (10.62s).
The Youth Girls’ 100m produced drama as Bernice Onoriode and Rebecca Enilolobo tied with identical times of 12.39s.
Bakare Rofiat and Joanna Udoh were next in line. MTN’s Fervent Edet dominated the Youth Boys’ heats with a massive Personal Best of 11.13s, leaving Matthew Ngowu and Daniel Egah to settle for second and third.
In the cadet divisions, Attach Boyi led the Boys’ 100m with 13.34s, while Nantap Zachariah topped the Girls’ category with a Personal Best of 14.36s.
