Highlights from Day 1: Athletes excel in 100m and 400m at MTN CHAMPS Continental Relays in Jos

The MTN CHAMPS Continental Relays kicked off at the New Jos Stadium, where athletes showcased their talents on a cool and humid day.

Esther Okon made her mark by winning the first track event of Season 4, securing the women’s 400m title with a time of 53.61 seconds, which is also her season’s best. Following her were MTN's Toheebat Jimoh, who finished second with a personal season best of 53.88 seconds, and her teammate Miracle Uwem Donald, who claimed third place with a time of 54.27 seconds.

In the men’s category, Team MTN’s Ezekiel Asuquo recorded the fastest time in the men’s 400m heats, clocking 47.43 seconds. He led ahead of Mfoniso Frank, who finished in 47.66 seconds, and Pelumi Emmanuel at 48.37 seconds.

Among the Youth Girls, Kaduna's Faustina Obi stood out by being the only athlete to run under 56 seconds in the heats of the Youth Girls 400m. She achieved a personal best of 55.73 seconds, with Chioma Edet from Vision High finishing next at 57.09 seconds, followed closely by Oluchi Ezeh with a time of 57.19 seconds.

Team MTN’s Michael Aniche aims for success in the next legs of MTN CHAMPS Season 4, reflecting on his previous victory in Calabar. He posted a strong time of 49.22 seconds in the Junior men’s 400m heats, putting him ahead of his teammate Prosper Ushie at 49.86 seconds and Chinedu Victor from Coach Felix Foundation with a time of 50.13 seconds.

Chizoba Onyemauwa, Patience Shepnan, and Calista Yunana led the standings in the Youth Girls’ 400m, while Nuhu Bamiyan, Zikirullah Ibrahim, and Abudmalik Aliyu topped the Boys’ section.

In the women’s junior 100m, NUT's Chigozie Rosemary Nwankwo led the performance with a marginal wind-assisted personal best of 11.46 seconds, while her teammate and defending champion, Miracle Ezechukwu, clocked in at 11.55 seconds. MTN's Lucy Nwankwo completed the round with a season's best of 11.84 seconds.

From the men's Junior category, MTN's Emmanuel Akolo, who triumphed in the Youth Boys 100m and 200m in Calabar, has shifted to compete in the Junior ranks in Jos. He currently leads the men’s 100m heats with a time of 10.89 seconds, slightly ahead of teammates Alvin Onyeama (10.90s) and Abdulfatah Oduwole (10.99s).

In the senior men’s 100m heats, Okechukwu Ezeh captured the fastest time of 10.56 seconds, followed closely by Okisamen Divine favour at 10.58 seconds and Kabiru Mohammed at 10.62 seconds.

The Youth Girls 100m saw a tie with Bernice Onoriode and Rebecca Enilolobo recording equivalent times of 12.39 seconds, while Bakare Rofiat and Joanna Udoh followed closely.

In the Youth Boys 100m heats, MTN’s Fervent Edet distinguished himself by clocking an impressive personal best of 11.13 seconds, suggesting he is a strong contender for the finals. Matthew Ngowu and Daniel Egah secured second and third places respectively.

Attachment to the Cadet Boys category saw Boyi lead with a time of 13.34 seconds, surpassing Hamisu Muhammad (13.40s) and Mohammed Khalid (13.46s). For the Cadet Girls, Nantap Zachariah excelled as the top qualifier with a personal best of 14.36 seconds, ahead of Isabel Ibrahim Majida (14.64s) and Acelynn Alex (14.78s).