Favour Ofili and Onwuzurike storm to first professional wins against star-studded fields at NYC Grand Prix

Favour Ofili and Udodi Onwuzurike

Favour Ofili and Onwuzurike storm to first professional wins against star-studded fields at NYC Grand Prix

Funmilayo Fameso 10:39 - 10.06.2024

Big wins for Nigerian young speedsters Favour Ofili and Udodi Onwuzurike at the NYC Grand Prix.

On a day to remember for the Nigerian duo of Favour Ofili and Udodi Onwuzurike, the young speedsters stormed to their first professional wins against star-studded fields at the NYC Grand Prix.

Commonwealth 200m silver medallist Ofili opened proceedings for the success of her Nigerian counterpart as she stunned a stacked field by claiming the 100m win in a Season's Best (SB) of 11.18s (-2.1m/s).

She overcame the challenge of experienced duo Morolake Akinosun (11.20s) and training mate Aleia Hobbs (11.21s), while world 200m silver medallist Gabby Thomas settled for the fourth position in 11.34s, the same time with Mikiah Brisco for fifth.

Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah was also in the race but finished eighth after an injury scare that needed her to be carried out off the track.

In a post-race interview, Ofili said she wanted to get the Olympic standard but remains thankful for the win.

"I was like I'm close to my teammates Aleia and Mikiah, just like practice, just like home meet, stay calm and just go, finish your transitions because that's the issue, and whatever happens, happens.

I wanted to get the standard here but I give God all the glory for the win," said the Nigerian 200m record holder.

Likewise, Onwuzurike blazed to his first victory this season by building on his strong start and held on to the finish line in a time of 10.24s (-0.7).

The talented sprinter defeated Kendal Williams in 10.25s, while PJ Austin was third in 10.26s. Former world champion Fred Kerley who lined up to run, eventually walked away from the start line after issues with his blocks.

Udodi Onwuzurike won the men's 100m event

Meanwhile, Tobi Amusan was also in action but finished third in her race clocking 12.66s as Devynne Charlton sped to victory in 12.56s and Alaysha Johnson was second in 12.58s.

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