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Recap of Day 1 activities at the Nigeria Olympic Trials in Benin.
Day 1 of the Nigeria Olympic trials concluded with mixed reactions, with the highlights being Favour Ofili and Kanyinsola Ajayi claiming their first titles and Tobi Amusan smoothly sailing to the final.
The trials taking place from June 16 to 18 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin will primarily be used to determine new national champions and select athletes for the Paris Olympic Games and the African Championships in Cameroon.
Kicking things off among the galaxy of top athletes present, WR holder Amusan began her quest for a historic fourth in the women's 100mH, blazing to an easy 12.82s (unofficial) to win her semifinal and qualify for the final.
However, Faith Osamuyi clocked the fastest time of 12.76s (unofficial) in the second semifinal, thus putting herself in the conversation of challenging US-based Adaobi Tamugbo for the second position behind pending winner Amusan.
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20:20 - 16.06.2024
2024 Nigeria Olympic Trials: Tobi Amusan begins quest for historic fourth title with effortless win in the semifinals
Tobi Amusan qualified for the final at the Nigeria Olympic Trials in effortless manner and is now on course to win her historic fourth title.
Following this, Ofili made a triumphant return to home soil by winning her first national title in the women's 100m ev
The talented sprinter who last raced in Nigeria in 2021, continued with her brilliant year as she stormed to an impressive new SB of 11.06s - a time good enough to surpass the Olympic qualifying standard of 11.10s.
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African Games revelation Olayinka Olajide was second in 11.37s, while Justina Eyakpobeyan secured the last podium placement in 11.47s.
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00:43 - 17.06.2024
2024 Nigeria Olympic Trials: Favour Ofili storms to first national title and Paris qualification to become Nigeria's fastest woman
Favour Ofili is Nigeria's new 100m champion and automatic qualifier for the Paris Games after winning the Olympic trials in Benin to become the fastest woman in the country.
Consequently, in the men's 100m event, Ajayi wasn't to be denied against more experienced sprinters, as he held his form to the finish line in an impressive 10.14s (0.0) ahead of Alaba Akintola in 10.16s, while defending champion Usheoritse Itsekiri was third in 10.22s.
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The 19-year-old has been a big revelation this season since relocating to the USA on scholarship as a student-athlete. He made giant strides in the NCAA and now, blazed his way to national recognition.
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02:02 - 17.06.2024
2024 Nigeria Olympic Trials: Kanyinsola Ajayi wins National 100m title in Benin, emerging as the new speed champion
Kanyinsola Ajayi's tremendous 2024 season so far has been crowned with the national title after winning the Nigeria Olympic trials in Benin.
Meanwhile, Patience George ran the fastest time across all women's 400m heats, taking the third semifinal in 52.38s. Omolara Ogunmakinju closed well to finish second and qualify for the final, while Blessing Akintoye was third.
While in the men's category, Dubem Amene made a rebound in heat 3 to redeem himself and win in 46.21s, ahead of Dubem Nwachukwu.
Sikiru Adewale won the second heat in an unofficial 46.41s ahead of Chidi Okezie as both advanced to the final.
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