The MTN CHAMPS Continental Relays in Lagos, Nigeria, marked a historic moment for track and field with the introduction of the Mixed 4x100m relay, a newly sanctioned event by World Athletics. Team Continental seized the inaugural title, showcasing a dominant performance with a national-leading time of 42.91 seconds. Their quartet, comprising Iyanuoluwa Bada, Janet Adesiyan, Chidera Ezeakor, and Favour Ashe, left their competitors trailing far behind, with Zabranto Athletics, D’Victors A, and Benin Republic finishing considerably slower at 44.69s, 44.88s, and 45.22s respectively. This successful debut of the mixed relay format in Nigeria bodes well for its inclusion in the upcoming World Relays in China.
The Mixed 4x400m relay also provided an exhilarating spectacle, as the team of Miracle Donald-Uwem, Samson Nathaniel, Patience Okon-George, and Emmanuel Ojeli delivered a powerful performance. Their winning time of 3:21.63s was a clear demonstration of their combined strength and coordination, leaving Team MTN (3:31.09s) and St. Christy Track Club (3:33.96s) vying for the remaining podium positions. The introduction of mixed relays adds a dynamic dimension to the competition, showcasing the depth and versatility of athletes across different disciplines.
Beyond the relay events, the individual competitions saw some thrilling upsets and impressive performances. Ezekiel Asuquo of Team MTN pulled off a surprising victory in the men’s 400m final, defeating the season’s undefeated champion, Gafar Badmus. Asuquo’s personal best of 47.26s edged out Badmus’ 47.47s, proving the unpredictable nature of competitive sports. Eniola Shiro completed the podium with a time of 48.53s. This unexpected outcome highlighted the rising talent and competitive spirit among the younger athletes.
Team MTN continued its strong showing with Toheebat Jimoh’s strategic win in the Junior Women’s 400m. Jimoh executed a well-paced race, surging ahead of the competition to finish with a time of 55.7h, followed by Bamidele Aishat (57.2h) and Victory Solomon (57.6h). Jimoh’s victory solidified Team MTN’s presence in the junior categories, demonstrating their strength and depth in young talent. The competition showcased a blend of established athletes and rising stars, creating an exciting platform for future track and field prospects.
The semifinal rounds set the stage for exciting finals in the 200m sprints. Emmanuel Ojeli clocked the fastest time in the men’s 200m semis with 21.07s, positioning himself as a strong contender against Chidera Ezeakor (21.30s) and Thankgod Igube (21.54s) in the final. In the women’s 200m, Patience Okon-George, a two-time Olympian, maintained her stellar form, posting a season’s best of 24.03s, ahead of Iyanuoluwa Bada (24.20s) and Miracle Donald-Uwem (24.53s), setting the stage for a highly anticipated final.
The junior sprints also showcased promising talent. John Caleb topped the qualifiers in the junior men’s 200m with a personal best of 21.19s, followed closely by Qudus Akintoye (21.38s) and Ezekiel Asuquo (21.50s). In the junior women’s 200m, Hafsoh Bisola led the pack with a time of 24.89s, while Lucy Nwankwo (24.99s) and Mariam Jegede (25.23s) also secured their spots in the final. The performances across the junior categories highlighted the depth and potential of Nigeria’s future track and field stars. The MTN CHAMPS Continental Relays not only celebrated established athletes but also provided a platform for emerging talent to shine, contributing to the continued growth and development of Nigerian athletics.
