The quest for the title of best sprinter at the MTN CHAMPS Grand Final electrified the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Wednesday, May 7.
The venue buzzed with excitement, particularly during the 100m events, where numerous athletes achieved impressive Personal Bests (PBs).
Chidera Ezeakor, who previously won at MTN CHAMPS Benin and finished second to Favour Ashe in Lagos, clocked the fastest overall time of 10.35s in the Senior men’s preliminaries, setting a new PB. He was followed by Glory Olokpa (10.44s) and Lucky Daje (10.47s).
In the women’s race, Kate Odumoso improved her PB from MTN CHAMPS Benin by five-hundredths of a second, emerging as the fastest overall qualifier in the prelims with a time of 11.55s. Cynthia Chioma also shattered her PB, finishing in 11.56s, followed by Sophia Efetobore (11.65s).
The Junior men’s category saw Williams Stephen clock a PB of 10.77s, outpacing all competitors in the qualification round. Team MTN’s Alvin Onyeama won his heat comfortably in 10.89s, while Olerirume Righteous rounded out the top three finishers.
In the Junior women’s 100m class, Team MVP’s Ejiro Peter set a new lifetime best of 11.89s, improving from her previous PB of 12.17s to lead all heats. Close behind was her teammate Ufuoma Merit, who registered a PB of 11.90s to win her heat, followed by Perezide Sigah with a PB of 11.94s.
Emmanuel Salubi triumphed in the men’s 400m hurdles, with Nsikak Okon Francis and Moses Eze taking second and third place, respectively.
Possible Daniel won the junior category, ahead of Endurance Favour and Goodluck Kabowei.
More than 2,000 athletes from 136 secondary schools and 93 junior and senior teams are competing for honors at the MTN CHAMPS Grand Final. The event continues on Thursday, May 8, and concludes on May 9, with six team trophies to be awarded.