The Ogun State team emerged victorious in the 4x400m mixed relay final at the National Sports Festival, showcasing exceptional teamwork and speed in front of their home crowd. The quartet, comprising Deji Sholotan, Hafsoh Majekodunmi, Sanni Itopa, and Jimoh Toheebat, maintained a commanding lead from the outset, leaving their competitors trailing behind. Although they had qualified for the final as the second-fastest team in the heats, clocking a time of 3.23.90, they significantly improved their performance in the final to secure the gold medal. Edo State, who had topped the heats with a time of 3.23.46, settled for the silver medal, while Lagos State clinched the bronze. The home crowd’s enthusiastic cheers propelled the Ogun State team to their impressive victory, signifying the strong connection between the athletes and their supporters.
The men’s 100m heats witnessed fierce competition as athletes strived to secure their spot in the semi-finals. Chidera Ezeakor of Edo State emerged as the fastest runner in the heats, completing the race in an impressive 10.22 seconds. Akwa Ibom’s Alvin Onyeama followed closely with a time of 10.40 seconds. Tokyo 2020 Olympics finalist Enoch Adegoke, also representing Edo State, ensured his progression to the semi-finals with a time of 10.44 seconds. Favour Ashe, another prominent sprinter, comfortably won his heat, clocking a time of 10.55 seconds. The intense competition in the heats foreshadowed a thrilling contest in the subsequent stages of the competition.
The women’s 100m heats showcased the remarkable talent of Delta State’s female sprinters. Success Umukoro captivated the audience with her outstanding performance, securing her place in the semi-finals with a time of 11.58 seconds. However, it was her Delta State teammate, Faith Odumosor, who ran the fastest time in the heats, clocking an impressive 11.52 seconds. Another Delta State sprinter, Obi Chukwuka, also delivered a commendable performance, finishing with a time of 10.54 seconds. The dominance of Delta State sprinters in the heats underlined the state’s strength in women’s sprinting.
The 4x400m mixed relay, a dynamic and engaging event, epitomized the essence of teamwork and strategic collaboration in athletics. The seamless coordination and swift baton exchanges displayed by the Ogun State team underscored their dedication and preparation for the event. Their triumph highlighted the significance of collective effort in achieving sporting success. The individual brilliance exhibited in the men’s and women’s 100m heats further demonstrated the high caliber of athletes competing at the National Sports Festival.
The National Sports Festival served as a platform for emerging and established athletes to showcase their skills and compete against the best in the nation. The event fostered a spirit of healthy competition and camaraderie among athletes from different states. The performances of the athletes reflected their dedication, training, and commitment to excellence in their respective disciplines. The festival provided valuable exposure and experience for the athletes, contributing to their growth and development in the sport.
The success of the National Sports Festival underscored the importance of investing in sports development and providing opportunities for athletes to compete at the highest level. The event served as a testament to the potential of Nigerian athletes and the growing interest in athletics across the country. The festival also highlighted the role of sports in promoting unity, national pride, and healthy lifestyles. The thrilling performances and competitive spirit displayed by the athletes left a lasting impression on the spectators and underscored the importance of supporting and nurturing athletic talent in Nigeria.
