US-based sprinter Blessing Ogundiran clocks 11.12 seconds to win in Lagos; Enekwechi clinches fifth shot put crown

Blessing Ogundiran, a US-based Nigerian athlete, emerged as the new women’s 100 metres champion after finishing first in the national trials held in Lagos on Saturday. The event, which serves as the selection ground for Team Nigeria ahead of the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, saw Ogundiran cross the finish line in 11.12 seconds.

Ogundiran outpaced teenage sensation Miracle Eluebube Ezechukwu, who recorded a personal best of 11.15 seconds to secure second place. Olajide Olayinka finished third with a time of 11.28 seconds. The performance marks a significant moment for Ogundiran, who recently returned from the United States after enduring travel delays caused by storms.

The national trials are crucial for determining Nigeria’s athletics representatives at major international competitions. With her victory in Lagos, Ogundiran has strengthened her position as one of Nigeria’s leading female sprinters and is now set to feature prominently at the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Speaking after her win, Ogundiran attributed her success to her coach’s guidance and perseverance through travel disruptions. “When I was at the start block, I was thinking of what my coach told me that I should just execute my race and not panic, and that was what I did,” she said. “It was a tough time getting here after travelling for almost four days due to what happened in the US (storm) but I am grateful to God that I am going back with the title.”

In other events at the trials, Olympian Chukwuebuka Enekwechi threw 21.46 metres to claim his fifth national shot put title—a record achievement since he began competing in Nigeria. Meanwhile, men’s 100m finalists including Favour Ashe and Enoch Adegoke have advanced to the semifinals following victories in their respective heats on Monday.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria is expected to finalise Team Nigeria’s squad for the Commonwealth Games following completion of all trial events.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/ogundinran-emerges-new-nigerian-women-100m-champion/

Favour Ashe records fastest time in men’s heats; Commonwealth Games selection intensifies at Lagos sports complex

Favour Ashe topped the men’s 100 metres heats on Monday at the National Athletics Trials, held at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Sports Complex in Lagos, securing a place in the semi-finals alongside Chidera Ezeakor, Fakorede Adekalu, Tejiri Godwin and Enoch Adegoke. The event forms part of Nigeria’s preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Ashe posted the fastest qualifying time, crossing the finish line in 10.24 seconds. He was closely followed by Chidera Ezeakor, who clocked 10.26 seconds, and Fakorede Adekalu with a time of 10.29 seconds. Tejiri Godwin and Enoch Adegoke also secured their spots in the next round after strong performances during their respective heats.

The trials have attracted top sprinters from across Nigeria and abroad, with many U.S.-based athletes returning home to compete for places on Team Nigeria ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later this year. The National Athletics Trials are seen as a critical opportunity for both established stars and emerging talents to secure their spots on the national squad.

Officials at YABATECH Sports Complex said the standard of competition has been high so far, reflecting intense preparation by athletes hoping to represent Nigeria on the international stage. The Athletics Federation is expected to announce final selections after all events conclude.

The semi-final races will continue this week in Lagos, with winners set to advance to the final round that will determine Team Nigeria’s representatives for Glasgow. Stakeholders say strong performances at these trials could boost confidence ahead of major championships scheduled for later in the season.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/national-trials-ashe-chidera-fakorede-tejiri-qualify-for-100m-semis/

Judicial officers move for case dismissal after African Democratic Congress chieftain alleges partiality in ongoing proceedings

A group of judges sitting in Abuja have filed a motion seeking the dismissal of a lawsuit brought against them by an official of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who accused the panel of bias in handling an ongoing case. The development occurred on Monday, 22 June, as legal representatives for the judicial officers urged the court to strike out the matter.

According to court filings, the ADC chieftain alleged that certain judges exhibited partiality during previous hearings connected to intra-party disputes within the party. The judges, through their counsel, argued that the claims lacked merit and maintained that their conduct remained within judicial ethics and procedures. They further described the lawsuit as frivolous and an attempt to intimidate the bench.

The case has drawn attention within Abuja’s legal community, with observers noting that allegations of bias against sitting judges are rare and can undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary. Legal experts say such matters are usually addressed internally by judicial oversight bodies rather than through open litigation.

In their submission, lawyers representing the judges asked for summary dismissal and warned that allowing the suit could set a precedent for aggrieved parties to routinely challenge unfavourable rulings by alleging bias. The ADC official did not respond publicly as at press time, and party leaders have not issued an official statement regarding the dispute.

The presiding judge adjourned proceedings pending a ruling on the dismissal application. The matter is expected to test existing protocols on judicial accountability and may prompt calls for clearer guidelines on addressing perceived bias within Nigeria’s courts.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889849-judges-sued-by-adc-official-for-alleged-bias-seek-suit-dismissal.html