Nigerian Stars Set To Light Up Lone Star Grand Prix In Texas

Nigeria’s leading athletics talents are set to compete on the global stage at the inaugural Lone Star Grand Prix in Texas on Saturday, June 6, as Favour Ofili, Ezekiel Nathaniel, Rosemary Chukwuma and Ella Onojuvwevwo prepare to represent the country at the prestigious World Athletics Continental Tour Gold event.

Reports indicate that the competition is part of the newly introduced USATF Tour and ranks among only two Continental Tour Gold meetings scheduled to be held in the United States this season, with the other being the Los Angeles Grand Prix later in June.

Ofili will be one of the athletes attracting significant attention in the women’s 200 metres, where she is expected to test herself against some of the sport’s biggest names. The world record holder in the 150 metres enters the race following recent discussions surrounding her unsuccessful attempt to change sporting allegiance to Turkey.

The Nigerian sprint star has been drawn alongside a formidable field that includes reigning Olympic champion Gabby Thomas, Olympic 400m finalist Rhasidat Adeleke, world and Olympic finalist Deajah Stevens, and American sprinter Cambrea Sturgis. The race will also feature promising teenager Mariah Maxwell as well as World Championships relay gold medallists Jenna Prandini and Kayla White.

In the women’s 100 metres, Chukwuma will be aiming to continue her impressive form after recording a personal best of 10.95 seconds and an even faster wind-assisted 10.81 earlier in the season. She is expected to face stiff competition from 2023 world 4x100m relay champion Tamari Davis and Jamaican relay specialist Jodean Williams.

Onojuvwevwo will line up in the women’s 400 metres looking to build on an outstanding campaign that has already produced an African indoor record of 50.28 seconds and a season-opening outdoor performance of 49.59 seconds. Her rivals include Jamaica’s Stacey Ann Williams and American athletes Britton Wilson and Bailey Lear.

Meanwhile, Nathaniel, Africa’s record holder in the 400m hurdles, will open his season in the event against a highly competitive field. Among his challengers are world finalist Caleb Dean, who has already posted a time of 47.75 seconds this year, and 2022 world bronze medallist Trevor Bassitt, whose season-best stands at 47.82 seconds.

The meeting is also expected to showcase several global sprinting stars, with Jamaican speedster Oblique Seville scheduled to compete in the men’s 100 metres alongside Olympic champion Andre De Grasse, former world indoor champion Trayvon Bromell, 2023 world bronze medallist Zharnel Hughes, and experienced American sprinter Ronnie Baker.