Itsekiri becomes two-time National champion and 2023 Nigeria's fastest man

Itsekiri becomes two-time National champion and 2023 Nigeria's fastest man

Funmilayo Fameso 19:04 - 05.07.2023

Canada-based Usheoritse Itsekiri won the men's 100m title at the Nigeria Trials in Benin, becoming a two-time National champion.

Usheoritse Itsekiri is Nigeria's fastest man for the year after clocking 10.02s to win the national 100m title at the 2023 Nigeria Trials in Benin.

Usheoritse Itsekiri regains 100m title, crowned 2023 Nigeria's fastest man
Usheoritse Itsekiri during the men's 100m final at the Nigeria Trials in Benin

Itsekiri, who is based in Canada, came to the country in unbeaten form and did enough to extend his winning streak and regain his title which he last won in 2019.

The Tokyo Olympian ran the fastest time of 10.12s in all semifinal heats, laying a strong marker on what to expect in the final.

Usheoritse Itsekiri defeated Alaba Akintola in the semifinals

Then in the final, he blazed to his equall Personal Best (PB) for the much-needed victory, far ahead of Seye Ogunlewe (10.12s) and Alaba Akintola (10.12s), while defending champion Favour Ashe was fourth in 10.13s.

Though the speedster didn't surpass the World Championships automatic qualifying standard of 10.00s, Itsekiri will be aiming to run in more meets to surpass this time before the qualifying window closes.

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