Nigerian athletes Favour Ofili and Udodi Onwuzurike emerged victorious at the USTAF New York Grand Prix on Sunday, held at Icahn Stadium.
Ofili clinched the women’s 100m title with a time of 11.18 seconds, followed closely by veteran sprinter Morolake Akinosun (11.20 seconds) and American Aleia Hobbs (11.21 seconds).
Although she secured the win, Ofili is still striving to achieve the Olympic qualifying standard of 11.07 seconds in the 100m, but has already secured her spot in the 200m with a qualifying time of 22.33 seconds in April.
Onwuzurike, a former World U20 200m champion, took the men’s 100m title in 10.24 seconds, edging out American duo Kendal Williams (10.25 seconds) and Pjai Austin (10.26 seconds).
This marks a strong showing for Onwuzurike as he heads into the Nigerian Olympic trials next weekend in Benin City, Edo State.
Tobi Amusan displayed her resilience in the women’s 100m hurdles, recovering from a shaky start to finish third in 12.66 seconds (-1.9 wind). Devynne Charlton of the Bahamas took the win in 12.56 seconds, with American Alaysha Johnson placing second in 12.58 seconds.
Both Ofili and Onwuzurike are expected to compete at the All-Nigeria national trials next weekend in Benin City, Edo State, where they will look to continue their impressive form.
