Consider Ekanem, who is the current world leader in the 100m and a favourite at the African Games AFN trials, unfortunately, failed to live up to the expectations of athletics fans who came to watch him run at the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) African Games National Trials in Asaba, Delta State, South-South, Nigeria.
During the men’s 100m race, Ekanem was disqualified because of a false start, which left him crestfallen before the fans who had thronged the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, to watch Nigeria’s finest athletes on the track.
In his absence, Israel Okon Sunday, a new kid on the block, emerged as the winner of the race in 10.20 seconds, as he breezed past Fakorede Adekalu who finished second with 10.26 seconds, and Enoch Adegoke, who finished third with a time of 10.30 seconds.
In the women’s race, Olayinka Olajide, a swift athlete running in lane three, was just too hot to handle for the other competitors as she confidently coasted home after breaking away from the pack.
The 21-year-old finished the race in a Personal Best time of 11.19 seconds, brushing aside Bless Ogundiran who came second with a time of 11.50 seconds, while Favour Onyebuchi finished in third place with a time of 11.66 seconds.
Overall, it was an exciting event that showcased Nigeria’s top athletic talent, despite Ekanem’s unfortunate disqualification.
