The MTN CHAMPS Continental Relays Lagos concluded its four-day spectacle of track and field events at the Yabatech and Unilag Sports Complexes, with the final day witnessing a flurry of outstanding performances and multiple title wins. Athletes like John Caleb, Bernice Onoriode, and Abdulaleem Abdulsalam shone brightly, leaving their marks on various sprint events. The relays provided a thrilling climax, with Team Continental asserting their dominance in both the men’s and women’s 4x100m races. The individual races saw a mix of established stars and emerging talents battling for top honors, setting personal bests and securing their places on the podium.
John Caleb, having already secured the 100m title earlier in the competition, showcased his sprinting prowess by clinching the Junior men’s 200m gold medal. Bernice Onoriode mirrored Caleb’s success, completing a sprint double in the Youth Girls’ category by adding the 200m gold to her 100m victory. Abdulaleem Abdulsalam further solidified his dominance in the Cadet Boys’ division, achieving personal bests in both the 100m and 200m sprints to claim double gold. Their victories highlighted the depth of young sprinting talent on display at the competition.
The senior events were equally captivating. Emmanuel Ojeli showcased his speed, winning the men’s 200m, while Patience Okon-George added the 200m gold to her earlier 400m victory, further cementing her status as one of the competition’s standout performers. Hafsoh Bisola delivered a thrilling performance in the Junior women’s 200m, setting a personal best to narrowly edge out Lucy Nwankwo, who also recorded a personal best. Mighty Otunla, after securing bronze in the 100m, stepped up his game to win gold in the Youth Boys’ 200m. Abigael Ogunbowale led the field in the Cadet Girls’ 200m, securing a comfortable victory.
Beyond the sprints, the middle-distance events also provided compelling competition. Hamid Sambo triumphed in the men’s 800m after a close contest, while Adeyinka Bamtefa-Mulero, returning from a break, marked her comeback with a season’s best performance to win the women’s 800m. The 400m races showcased both emerging talent and established athletes. Ibrahim Ahmed dominated the Youth Boys’ 400m, while Chizoba Onyemauwa impressed with a personal best in the Youth Girls’ race. The final event, the 400m hurdles, provided a dramatic finish, with Olorunwa Olowu staging a late surge to overtake Sodiq Adebisi in the men’s race, while Daisy Akpofa led the women’s field.
The MTN CHAMPS Continental Relays Lagos served as a platform for both seasoned athletes and rising stars to display their athletic prowess. The competition saw a mix of established names reaffirming their dominance and up-and-coming athletes making their mark on the track. From the explosive sprints to the strategic middle-distance races, the event showcased the diverse talents within the athletics community. The relays, a highlight of the competition, emphasized teamwork and coordination, while the individual events tested the athletes’ speed, endurance, and competitive spirit.
The performances at the MTN CHAMPS Continental Relays Lagos underscore the growing strength of track and field in the region. The competition not only provided thrilling entertainment for spectators but also offered valuable experience for the athletes, contributing to their development and preparing them for future competitions on larger stages. The event’s success highlights the importance of such platforms in nurturing athletic talent and promoting the sport. The achievements of athletes like Caleb, Onoriode, and Abdulsalam, along with the performances of other standout athletes, signify a promising future for track and field.
