Ezeakor, Odumosu Emerge New 100m Champions at National Sports Festival
Edo State’s Chidera Ezeakor and Delta’s Kate Odumosu have been crowned the new men’s and women’s 100m champions at the 2024 National Sports Festival, held at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.
Ezeakor stormed to victory in the men’s final with a time of 10.27 seconds, holding off a strong challenge from Tokyo 2020 Olympic finalist Enoch Adegoke, to secure a 1-2 finish for Edo State. Rivers State’s Taiwo James claimed the bronze medal.
The final was not without controversy, as Delta State’s Favour Ashe, a bronze medallist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, was disqualified for failing to wear complete bibs. Ashe protested the decision, but after the intervention of top officials including Bukola Olopade, Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, he was withdrawn from the race.
Speaking after his win, Ezeakor, who had earlier recorded the fastest times in both the heats and semi-finals, said, “The festival is all about action and I came here ready. I’ve been training hard and I gave it everything right from the blocks.”
In the women’s 100m final, there was a surprise as Delta’s Kate Odumosu beat former NCAA champion and teammate Success Umukoro to take gold. Odumosu crossed the line in 11.44 seconds, while Umukoro settled for silver in 11.55 seconds. Ogun State’s Iyanuoluwa Bada finished third with a time of 11.58 seconds.
The new champions now look set to become strong contenders on the national athletics scene.
