Electrifying Start: Ella Onojuvwevwo Runs 49.59 at Battle on the Bayou, Becomes Fourth Nigerian to Break 50 Seconds in 400m

Ella Onojuvwevwobe has etched her name into Nigerian athletics history, becoming only the fourth Nigerian woman to break the 50-second barrier in the 400m outdoor race.

The Delta State-born sprinter clocked an impressive 49.59 seconds at the Battle on the Bayou meet held at Bernie Moore Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Onojuvwevwobe had already signaled her potential during the indoor season, where she ran a lifetime best of 50.28 seconds, drawing attention from athletics watchers eager to see her outdoor performance.

She delivered in emphatic fashion, joining an elite Nigerian quartet that includes Falilat Ogunkoya (49.10), Charity Opara (49.29) , and **Fatimah Yusuf (49.43).

Her achievement also places her among Africa’s finest, becoming the ninth African woman ever to dip under 50 seconds in the full-lap race.

Another Nigerian athlete, Onyah Onyinye Favour, also competed in the event, finishing with a time of 52.38 seconds.