U.S.-based Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili has supplanted her friend and training partner, Rosemary Chukwuma, as Africa’s fastest 200m runner so far in 2026, after clocking a new season’s best of 22.15 seconds at the weekend.

Another Nigerian, Ella Onojuvwevwo, announced herself as a major contender on the global stage with a breathtaking victory in the women’s 400 metres at the USATF Lone Star Grand Prix, clocking a sensational personal best of 49.47 seconds.

Ofili produced the performance at the Lone Star Grand Prix, a World Athletics Continental Gold Tour event in Texas, the United States, a significant improvement on the 22.46 she ran earlier in Gainesville, Florida.

Her time moves her to the top of the African half-lap list, ahead of Chukwuma’s 22.42 set in April at Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The race itself was dominated by reigning Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas, who stormed to a world-leading 21.70. American sprinter Kayla White finished second in 22.07, with Ofili taking third but securing the continental lead.

Ofili, who is expected to run for Nigeria at the 2026 Commonwealth Games after her move to compete for Turkey was blocked by World Athletics earlier this year, remains the only Nigerian woman to have broken the 22-second barrier over 200m, with her lifetime best of 21.96 set in 2022.

She was also a finalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics, cementing her reputation as one of Africa’s premier sprint talents.

Meanwhile, Onojuvwevwo’s remarkable performance in the 400m not only earned her first place in a highly competitive field but also propelled her to second in the world rankings this season, further underlining her growing status as one of the sport’s brightest stars.

The Nigerian star powered down the home stretch to finish ahead of Jamaica’s Stacey Ann Williams, who crossed the line in 49.80 seconds, while American Alexis Holmes settled for third place in 50.42 seconds.

Onojuvwevwo’s impressive run marks another significant milestone in what is rapidly becoming a breakthrough season for the talented quarter-miler.

Her new lifetime best shaved precious time off her previous mark and sends a strong message ahead of the major championships later this year.

Her latest achievement has generated excitement among athletics fans and further strengthened Nigeria’s reputation in global track and field.