Nigeria’s quest to produce a replacement for sprinter, Favour Ofili may be yielding fruit. After years of playing second fiddle to her training partner and bosom friend, Favour Ofili, sprinter, Rosemary Chukwuma delivered a stunning performance at the Battle on the Bayou meet in Louisiana, United States of America, over the weekend.

Storming to a wind-aided 10.81 seconds (+3.1m/s) to win the women’s Olympic Development 100m event.

The 10.81s (3.1) is Chukwuma’s fastest all-conditions time of her career. She beat her training partner, Ofili, who finished in 10.93s, tying for second position with Canada’s Audrey Leduc, who posted the same time.

Another Nigerian sprinter, Success Umukoro, clocked 11.36 seconds to place eighth at the event.

The Guardian recalls that in June 2025, Ofili defeated Chukwuma in the 100m final at the
ATX Sprint Classic in Georgetown, Texas, with Ofili winning with a time of 10.78 seconds.

Chukwuma placed fifth at that event with a time of 10.98seconds.

Before then, in June 2022, both Ofili and Chukwuma competed at the NCAA championships, with Chukwuma finishing ahead of Ofili.

Ofili has since switched her nationality to Turkey, though; both the National Sports Commission (NSC) and Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) say the athlete remains a Nigerian until after the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Some stakeholders are of the opinion that even if Ofili decides to stay with Turkey, with good motivation and training, the likes of Rosemary Chukwuma can rise to the occasion in Los Angeles.

Also at the weekend, Tima Godbless returned to individual competition for the first time since 2025, running 11.37 seconds to finish ninth overall in the collegiate women’s 100m.

Other Nigerian athletes in the race included Victory Godah (13th, 11.53), Precious Nzeakor (22nd, 11.64), and Adetutu Aladeloye (24th, 11.65).

The men’s 100m also produced fireworks, with Adekalu Fakorede running 10.10 seconds and Joshua Caleb close behind in 10.13 seconds, highlighting Nigeria’s growing sprint depth across both genders.