Asuquo Shines in 400m as MTN CHAMPS Grand Final Heats Up in Ibadan
The penultimate day of the MTN CHAMPS Grand Final at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, produced electrifying performances across track and field, with Team MTN’s Ezekiel Asuquo leading the charge in the Senior Men’s 400m.
Asuquo stormed to victory in 46.60s, ahead of Benin Republic’s Jules Waiga (47.23s) and Wisdom Alexander (47.51s). His teammate, Miracle Uwem Donald, matched the feat in the Senior Women’s 400m, clinching GOLD with a Personal Best of 54.07s. Joy Ayomide (54.61s) and Adedoyin Adepoju (54.84s) followed closely.
The Junior Men’s 400m was one of the day’s most dramatic races, as David Dominion Udoh edged Ghana’s Kazali Iddrisu to retain Nigeria’s crown. Udoh clocked a lifetime best of 46.62s, narrowly beating Iddrisu’s 46.68s, while Tosin Esan finished third in 47.30s.
In the Junior Women’s 400m, Treasure Okereke powered to GOLD in 53.30s, ahead of Becky Ebiyade (53.89s) and Faith Ezechukwu (54.04s).
Attention then shifted to the 200m heats and semifinals. Ghana’s Marizuk Shaibu emerged as the fastest qualifier in the Senior Men’s semis with 21.05s, followed by Osama Chibueze (21.14s) and Enoch Adegoke (21.20s).
In the Senior Women’s category, Taofikat Sulaimon led with 24.40s, edging Purpose Excellence Akinpelu (24.43s) and Ofure Johnbull (24.78s).
Kazali Iddrisu returned in the Junior Men’s 200m to post the fastest semifinal time of 21.30s, while Liberty Okon (PB 21.51s) and Paul Otagba (PB 21.55s) impressed with personal bests. Chigozie Rosemary Nwankwo topped the Junior Women’s standings in 23.53s, narrowly ahead of Tejiri Ugoh (23.58s) and Mariam Jegede (23.74s).
In the field events, African Bronze medallist Samuel Kure dominated the men’s javelin with a throw of 79.39m, just shy of his Personal Best, to claim victory over Prosper Eguakun and Oluwatobiloba Bamidele.
Gowon Oghenerunor secured GOLD in the Junior Men’s long jump with a leap of 7.22m, while Olaoluwa Akindunbi and Mekioniso Messiah settled for Silver and Bronze.
With finals looming, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the MTN CHAMPS Grand Final in Ibadan.
