Ofili eyes Olympics place after Grand Prix triumph

Favour Ofili, a Nigerian track and field star, has set her sights on the upcoming national Olympics trials after she pulled off a stunning victory in the women’s 100m at the New York Grand Prix, defeating a stellar field that included Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah of Jamaica on Sunday.

Favour Ofili, 21, achieved a season-best time of 11.18 seconds, securing first place in the women’s 100m race. Morolake Akinosun of the United States followed closely in second place with a time of 11.20 seconds, while Aleia Hobbs, also from the United States, took third place with a time of 11.21 seconds.

Thompson-Herah, the Tokyo Olympics 100m and 200m gold medalist, could only manage ninth place in 11.48secs as she continues to search for her best form this season.

“Just like practice, stay calm and just go, finish your transition because that’s the issue, and whatever happens will happen. I wanted to get the standard here and I give God glory for the win,” Ofili told NBC Sports after the race.

“(For the trials), stay calm and just do what I know how to do, go back and do some training before I go back home for the national trials.”

The upcoming Olympic trials, scheduled for June 16-18 in Benin City, Edo State, will serve as a crucial selection process for Nigeria’s athletes. The trials will determine the team that will represent the country at the Senior Africa Athletics Championships in Douala, Cameroon, from June 21-28, as well as the Paris 2024 Olympics, taking place from July 26 to August 11.

Fans on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) showered praises on Ofili following her impressive performance.

US-based Nigerian, Esther Agbarakwe, wrote, “Congratulations to Favor Ofili for winning her 100m Race in New York.”

Odinaka Akpamgbo added, “Favour Ofili’s top end speed is unbelievable.”

Another fan stated, “My girl Favour Ofili is doing so good!”

Sports journalist Bimbo Adeola predicted that Ofili would put up a fine performance at the Olympics.

“Favour Ofili getting set to shock the world at the Paris Olympics as she wins the women’s 100m race,” he wrote.

Sports promoter, Village Athleticz, also celebrated Ofili’s achievement, stating, “All hail the star girl, Favour Ofili. A great win for her!”

Mighty George congratulated her, noting, “Congratulations to Favour Ofili who wins the women’s 100m at the USATF LA Grand Prix in 11.18s.”

Punch