The 2024 National Sports Festival, held at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, witnessed a dramatic men’s 100m final, culminating in Edo State’s Chidera Ezeakor clinching the gold medal. Ezeakor, who had dominated the preliminary rounds with the fastest times in both the heats and semi-final, maintained his momentum in the final, clocking a winning time of 10.27 seconds. His victory was further amplified by a 1-2 finish for Edo State, with teammate and Tokyo 2020 Olympic finalist, Enoch Adegoke, securing the silver medal. Rivers State’s Taiwo James rounded out the podium with a bronze medal finish. The race, however, was not without its share of controversy.
The pre-race drama centered around Favour Ashe, a 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist representing Delta State. Ashe was disqualified for presenting himself at the starting line with incomplete bibs, sparking a heated protest from the athlete. The situation required the intervention of high-ranking officials, including the Director General of the National Sports Commission and the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Bukola Olopade, to finally convince Ashe to step down from the race. This unexpected turn of events undoubtedly added to the tension and anticipation surrounding the final, setting the stage for Ezeakor’s impressive performance.
Ezeakor’s victory underscored his dedication and preparation for the Games, a testament to his unwavering focus and determination. In a post-race interview, he articulated his approach to the competition, highlighting the importance of pushing himself from the very start. His comments reflected a strategic mindset, emphasizing the need for explosive power and unwavering effort from the blocks to the finish line. Ezeakor’s triumph was not simply a victory in a single race but a culmination of consistent hard work and a focused approach to the competition.
The women’s 100m final delivered its own share of unexpected results. Success Umukoro, a former NCAA Champion, entered the race as a strong contender but was ultimately outpaced by her Delta State teammate, Kate Odumosu. Odumosu claimed the gold medal with a time of 11.44 seconds, showcasing her impressive speed and form. Umukoro finished close behind, securing the silver medal with a time of 11.55 seconds. Iyanuoluwa Bada, representing the host state, Ogun, captured the bronze medal, finishing in 11.58 seconds. The race highlighted the depth of talent within the Nigerian women’s sprinting scene and demonstrated the unpredictable nature of high-level competition.
The performances of both Ezeakor and Odumosu were not just individual triumphs but also reflected the strength of their respective state teams. The 1-2 finish for Edo State in the men’s 100m showcased the depth of their sprinting program and their commitment to developing elite athletes. Similarly, Delta State’s dominance in the women’s event, with Odumosu taking gold and Umukoro silver, highlighted their prowess in women’s sprinting. These results underscored the role of state-level athletic programs in nurturing talent and contributing to the overall development of Nigerian athletics.
The 2024 National Sports Festival provided a platform for both established athletes and emerging talents to showcase their abilities on a national stage. The competition witnessed moments of triumph, controversy, and unexpected outcomes, reflecting the dynamic and exciting nature of sporting events. Beyond the individual achievements, the Festival also served as a testament to the power of sports in unifying the nation and fostering a sense of healthy competition among the various states. The performances of athletes like Ezeakor and Odumosu served as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and highlighted the potential for future success in Nigerian athletics.
