Veteran Nigerian quarter-miler Patience Okon George was in ecstatic form as she stormed to a season’s best of 51.64s, setting a new Festival Record to win the women’s 400m title at the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta.
The gold marked Cross River State’s fifth of the competition and was a particularly emotional triumph for the three-time Commonwealth Games silver medallist, who broke her own festival record of 51.66s set in 2019 in Kaduna.
Rivers State’s Happy Rasheed secured silver with a time of 53.95s, while Miracle Uwem Donald of Lagos State claimed bronze.
Speaking after her victory, Okon George was full of emotion, not just for the win but also for achieving a new milestone.
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“This gold medal means a lot to me because, at first, I wasn’t planning to compete this season,” she told Bold Sports. “But after running at the MTN Champs in Lagos, I realized I was ready. I didn’t think about breaking any record, I just focused on executing my race, from the heats through to the final.”
“This victory is even sweeter because it’s been a long time since I ran this fast. It’s a very good time,” she added.
In the men’s 400m final, Ifeanyi Ojeli delivered a statement performance, clocking a new personal best of 45.61s to clinch gold, finally claiming the top spot after placing third in 2018 and second in 2021.
Ogun State’s Gafar Badmus, roared on by the home crowd, came agonisingly close to an upset, finishing second with his own PB of 45.62s. Akwa Ibom’s Victor Sampson also set a PB of 45.80s to earn bronze.
Reflecting on his hard-fought victory, African Games bronze medallist Ojeli said, “I feel blessed, I feel fulfilled, and I thank God. I wasn’t just chasing time today, I was chasing the win. And I’m grateful everything worked out.”
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