Almost 200 athletes took part in the third Track and Field Coaches Association of Nigeria (TAFCAN) competition held under very hot conditions at the National Stadium Surulere, Lagos on Friday. With the new Athletics season set to commence next week, it was a perfect opportunity for the athletes to ascertain their readiness for 2016, and they defied the searing heat to participate.

The 400m was entertaining as it threw up some surprise names in the startlists from both categories. Joy Udo-Gabriel won the Secondary school Girls 100m at the Top Sprinter auditions held in Benin in 2015; this time around she competed in the quarter mile and it was evident how she was struggling after 200m that she was new to the event.

TAFCAN trials
Joy Udo-Gabriel just before her 400m

Udo-Gabriel finished 2nd in Heat 2, coming through with a time of 63.9s that placed her 5th overall. Daisy Akpoya who won Heat 1 in 59.5s finished 1st overall, with Charity Agofure 2nd in 59.7s as Adegoke Charity placed 3rd overall with a time of 59.9s.

TAFCAN trials
Udo-Gabriel finished 2nd in 2 behind Charity Adegoke

In the men’s 400m category, Eseroghene Oguma also made the switch from the shorter sprints and he didn’t seem to have any problems as he executed a good race coming from Lane 2 to win his heat in 51.6s. Oguma went out strong and took it easy in his last 150m, not giving in to the pressure he got from Yinka Ogunmola who was hot on his heels in the home straight.

Ese Oguma seemed comfortable running the 400m, even running his favourite 200m later in the day, also winning his heat
Ese Oguma seemed comfortable running the 400m, even running his favourite 200m later in the day, also winning his heat

With Oguma’s win in Heat 4, he placed 4th overall as Adebisi Sodiq took the overall win in 49.9s, with Olufemi Ogunmayin 2nd in 50.3s and Olowu Rilwan finished 3rd in 50.7s.

The men’s 100m threw up a dispute, particularly in Heat 3 which was a keenly contested race as the first three athletes also accounted for the overall top three positions.

Peter and Obasi dipping at the finish line.
Peter and Obasi dipping at the finish line.

When the controversy was resolved, Edwin Peter was adjudged winner of the contest, having dipped in ahead of Christopher Obasi to win the race in 10.5s. Obasi finished 2nd in 10.6s with Jasim Abdulameen finishing 3rd in 10.7s.

Peter went on to complete the double in the 200m, running the fastest time across all heats to win Heat 2 in 21.8s and take the overall win. Diana-Abasi Hanson who finished 2nd in that heat placed 2nd overall in 21.9s, with Ashien Godwin 3rd overall in 22.0s.

TAFCAN Trials
First three in men’s 200m heat 7: Mohammed Sanni, Adeyemi Ebun, Tolulope Adeyi

In the women’s 100m, Rasheedat Lawal ran the fastest time of all three heats to win in 12.0s. She was closely followed in 2nd place by her friend and training partner Blessing Ogundiran who won Heat 2 in 12.1s. Moyosore Badejo finished 3rd in 12.3s.

TAFCAN 2016
Blessing Ogundiran won her two heats in both the 100m and 200n

Daisy Akpova took the women’s 200m in 24.5s, narrowly beating Lawal who came in 2nd clocking 24.6s, with Ogundiran 3rd overall in 25.4s.

Rasheedat Lawal ran the fastest time of all heats to win the 100m
Rasheedat Lawal ran the fastest time of all heats to win the 100m

Field Events:
In the men’s Shot Put, Isaac Odugbesan who was making his second appearance at the TAFCAN competition, made it back to back victories, throwing a mark of 14.18m that got him the win. Benjamin Timothy finished 2nd with his best attempt of 13.92m, as Lucky Laju finished 3rd with 13.75m.

TAFCAN trials
Odugbesan won the men’s Shot Put

Feyisayo Daramola won the women’s Hammer with a throw of 50.82m as Sophiat Omizi finished 2nd with a mark of 46.93m and Rashidat Quadri 3rd in 36.92m.

TAFCAN Trials
Daramola in action in the women’s Hammer throw

While in the men’s category, Olawale Olatunji took the win in 52.26m as Ganiyu Monsuru finished 2nd throwing his best mark of 51.38m.

Only one athlete competed in the men’s Javelin, Friday Osayand, landing the spear with his best throw over a distance of 56.70m.

Attention will now shift to the All-comers competition on May 4th in Lagos, with many athletes expected to turn out from all over the country to herald the 2016 season.

 

Please Note: All times in this report are hand-timed.

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Athletics coverage was a discovery, having to move away from regularly writing about Football. Although it was initially daunting, but now being an authority in it makes the past effort worthwhile. From travelling on the same international flight with Nigerian athletes, to knowing you could easily interview: World Record holder Tobi Amusan, then Ese Brume, I have cut my teeth in this beat earning the trust of Athletics sources. Formerly the Content Manager-Sports at Ringier media Nigeria, Chris is a Senior Sports writer, Photographer & Community manager at Making of Champions.

3 COMMENTS

  1. Venue of the All Comers is Yaba College of Technology Sports complex. Btw Thumbs up to MoC. You guts are always on point with information. Bless up!

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