By Ben Efe 5.3.2026
Athletics Federation of Nigeria officials cap in hands have urged the National Sports Commission to keep oiling the Golden League, which kicked off last week in Benin City, Edo State.
This was after prospective athletes put up a good showing and posted performances that convinced AFN officials, the athletes meant the business of achieving world standards this season.
“We were very impressed with the outing, we had good performances coming from the 100m, long jump and javelin,” said AFN head coach Solomon Aliyu.
“Based on what we have seen we are hoping for improved performances in the subsequent legs of Golden League, starting for Lagos.”
He added that the AFN was desperate to keep the competitions coming for the athletes in order not to break the rhythm of performance.
“We would like to appeal to our sponsors the National Sports Commission to keep supporting us so that we can implement our programs because they are vital for our training ahead of the Commonwealth Games.”
The next competition comes on March 17 in Lagos.
Some of the performances at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium Benin City saw 19-year-old Nyherhovwo Benaiah Ofuoku fresh from the Niger Delta Games heave 45.95m personal best to claim top spot discus throw.
Chineme Akachiukwu Nweke followed in second with a solid 38.10m, also a personal best, while Emmanuel Shakamomodu Audu secured third place with 36.27m, a season’s best that capped an impressive outing for the Edo State Sports Commission athlete.
Chidera Ezeakor powered to victory in the men’s 100m, clocking 10.32 seconds with a legal wind reading of +0.4.
Tejiri Godwin finished strongly in second place in 10.37 seconds, a new personal best, while Gift Bright returned 10.49 seconds to seal third, another personal best in a race that underlined the depth of sprinting talent on display.
In the women’s 100m final, Chinoso Courage Odika powered to victory in 11.69s, edging out Mariam Jegede who clocked 11.74s for 2nd place. Ejiro Peter who won a sprint double at the Niger Delta Games completed the podium, finishing 3rd in 11.76s.
The men’s long jump final also produced fireworks. Romeo Bernard soared to a wind-assisted 7.63m (+0.6) to clinch victory and register a new personal best.
Hope Okoro and Nkemakolam Godswill both leapt 7.35m, separated only by countback, with Okoro taking second courtesy of his superior series. Jeffrey Miracle Onyia (7.22m) and Anthony Lucky Omosohwofa (7.14m) rounded out the top five in a tightly contested field.
The women’s senior Javelin Throw (600g) final was equally electric.
Victoria Effiom Kparika delivered the standout performance of the day, launching the spear to 47.89m, a personal best that left the rest of the field chasing shadows.
Peace Udochukwu Eze finished second with 43.27m, also a PB, while Gladys Ugbome claimed third with 30.79m. Ikomwosa Edith Enoma followed closely in fourth at 30.45m.