Edo, Akwa Ibom find silver lining and promise in 100m final finishes

By Mishael Emmanuel and Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, South-South, Nigeria

A blistering sprint finish from Chibueze Osama powered Team Delta to another golden moment at the ongoing Niger Delta Games, as the boys’ 100m final lit up the tracks of Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

Osama stormed clear of the field to clock 10.41 seconds, securing Delta’s fourth athletics gold. While Gift Bright of Akwa Ibom State came second in a time of 10.57s with Saturday Godswill taking the bronze in a time of 10.59s

Delta doubled its celebrations in the women’s 100m, where rising sprint sensation Ejiro Peter surged to gold in 11.55s. Tejiri Ugoh Praise and Victory Imosiemoh Azobudi, both representing Edo, finished second and third respectively.

Despite narrowly missing gold, Team Edo and Akwa Ibom drew confidence from their slim margins, viewing the results as proof that future stars are emerging.

The Silver Medalist in the Mens 100m Final, Gift Bright, emphasized that He was prepared to give the race his all, “I didn't think about anything. But I just wanted to go out and give my best. I'm just looking forward to breaking the time on my profile, that's my next target.”

Bright also had some nice words for sport lovers, fans and enthusiasts, alike, “I want them to believe that I'm coming and that I'll help them in everything. And I also want to thank God for giving me the strength to start from the heats to the finals, all thanks be to God.”

Homegirl, Tejiri Ugoh Praise, competing in her first meet of the season, remained upbeat in describing what she tagged “A Big Win”.

“I wasn't expecting a podium finish but I placed second so it's a big win for me and I'm happy. Yes, there are areas I need to make improvements because I've not been training since last season, so the first tournament of the year but I know it's going to be a big year for me. This is just the beginning, so it is definitely a big one for me.

The young sprinter expressed confidence in her potential for improvement, adding that support from her family and friends has greatly aided her career.

“I'm enjoying all of it and I know there are more medals coming, so it is a big win. My family and friends they are here, watching me so I'm happy I didn't put them to shame. I gave them a silver medal, so it's a big one.”

“This year, Nigerians will hear a lot more about me, the plan is to go pro,” She concluded.

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