By Ben Efe 22.6.2026
Before she joined the Werner University Florida USA athletics team and announced herself to the world, Blessing Ogundiran used to stomp at the Yaba College of Technology sports complex in various athletics meets.
Returning to the same venue to run in Athletics Federation of Nigeria National Trials for the Commonwealth Games Ogundiran flashed a big smile when stepped into the venue. And on Monday when she was crowned national champion in the women’s 100m she was glad to return home to give the home fans a taste of her exploits in the US.
She was easily the woman to beat in the race and when the competitors took off to a smooth time start, Ogundiran surged forward even as young up and coming Miracle Oluebube Ezechukwu hung on her shoulders.
Ogundiran all the same powered home to finish at 11.12 seconds, while Ezechukwu a natural born sprinter proved to be a worthy competitor finishing 11.15 seconds. Yinka Olajide finished third with 11.23 seconds.
“I’m happy to be here competing and it is a nice feeling coming back home to such a warm welcome.
“It was tough coming back home because of the flight delays due to weather conditions in the USA. I’ve been on the road for almost four days before getting here.
“On the tracks my coach told me to run my race and not panic and that is exactly what I did,” said Ogundiran who is winning the title for a second time.
The men’s 100m race will be decided on Tuesday, with Nick Adelaku Fakorede, Enoch Adegoke, Ashe Favour and Tejiri Godwin ready for a showdown. The 200m, 400m, 100mh and 110mh finals will also be decided.
