Adegoke’s 10.16s at AFN’s All-Comers excites Nigerians

Enoch Adegoke became the fastest man in the world this year, after running a new World Lead of 10.16s (+0.8) to win the men’s 100m final at the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) All-Comers held at the Federal University of Technology (FUTA), Akure.

Adegoke, a 100m finalist at 2018 Commonwealth Games, finished ahead of Godson Brume, who set a new personal best record of 10.27s, while the 2018 Youth Olympics Silver medalist, Alaba Akintola, placed third in 10.40s. This is the fastest ever season opener by Adegoke, who has a lifetime best of 10.12s, set in 2019.

The competition in Akure kick started the 2021 athletics season in Nigeria. Over 500 athletes were in attendance.

National champion, Joy Udo-Gabriel, powered through in the Women’s 100m final, finishing in 11.72s, just as Praise Idamadudu posted a season’s best of 11.81s for second place as Esther Okon settled for third in 11.87s.

Kemi Francis was initially disqualified for a false-start in the women’s 100m hurdles, but she got reinstated after so many entreaties. Ese Awusa was the surprise winner, coming from the outside to run a PB of 14.35s (+1.5). Francis finished second in 14.36s, while Stella Anyaleke was third in 14.53s. Miracle Thompson finished fourth in 14.61s.

After winning the 400m Gold at the 2018 National Sports Festival in Abuja, Nse Imaobong competed just twice in 2019, but came back stronger at the 2020 Okowa Meet running 53.16s. She has now started her 2021 campaign with 53.98s to rank fastest at the All-Comers Meet in Akure. Blessing Onome clocked 55.32s to finish second, as 2019 World Championship representative, Blessing Oladoye, finished closely with 55.38s.