Adeshina Suffers First Defeat of Season as Nigerian Stars Shine at Ed Murphey Classic

Nigerian high jump record holder Temitope Adeshina suffered her first defeat of the season at the Ed Murphey Classic in Memphis, Tennessee, marking a rare setback after an outstanding collegiate campaign in which she remained unbeaten indoors and outdoors.

The 27-year-old, competing in her first event since completing her collegiate season, finished fourth in the women’s high jump after failing to clear 1.90m on all three attempts.

Bermuda’s Sakari Famous emerged victorious on countback after also failing to clear 1.90m, but she secured the win by successfully negotiating earlier heights from 1.75m through 1.85m on her first attempts.

American Vashti Cunningham finished second, while Charity Hufnagel placed third after both cleared 1.85m.

The result ended a remarkable run for the Nigerian, who had dominated the collegiate circuit throughout the indoor and outdoor seasons before stepping into the professional competition environment.

Nigeria’s Divine Oladipo also endured a difficult outing in the women’s shot put, finishing last after recording a best throw of 16.24m. The performance further highlighted the decision to leave her out of Nigeria’s Commonwealth Games squad.

In the men’s shot put, reigning African Games and Nigerian champion Chukwuebuka Enekwechi finished sixth with a third-round effort of 21.40m. American Jordan Geist claimed victory with his third-round throw of 22.44m, while reigning Commonwealth Games champion Tom Walsh placed fourth with 21.56m.

Nigeria enjoyed success on the track, with Ella Onojuvwevwo winning the women’s 400m in 50.38 seconds. She finished ahead of Americans Sanaria Butler, who ran 50.69, and Alexis Holmes, who clocked 50.94. Defending champion Britton Wilson placed sixth in 51.86.

Samuel Ogazi continued Nigeria’s strong showing by winning the men’s 400m in 44.57 seconds. Jamaica’s Antonio Wilson finished second in 44.70, while Grenada Olympic and Commonwealth champion Kirani James was third in 45.04.

Rosemary Chukwuma did not start the women’s 100m, but Nigeria received another encouraging performance from Ruth Usoro in the long jump.

Usoro produced a wind-assisted leap of 6.76m with a +2.6m/s tailwind, sending a strong message to Commonwealth Games selectors after her exclusion from Nigeria’s squad.