Who is Nigeria's new Athletics queen?

In a thrilling turn of events at the 2024 Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) national trials in Asaba, Esther Joseph emerged as the unexpected star of the show. 

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Esther clinched victory in the women's 400m final with a performance that left spectators in awe in Asaba.

Patience Okon-George, a dominant force in Nigerian athletics, was the favourite for the crown, but it was Esther who stole the spotlight, showcasing a breathtaking display of speed and determination.

Joseph maintained her blistering pace until the very start to end, crossing the finish line in a remarkable time of 52.00 seconds.

This marked a significant improvement from her previous personal best, 53.07s, shaving off more than a second and securing her biggest career win to date, per MoC.

The shockwave of Joseph's victory shook the venue, with spectators rising to their feet to celebrate the rising star's remarkable achievement. 

Meanwhile, Okon-George found herself trailing behind, finishing in a distant sixth place with a time of 56.06 seconds, a result that was as shocking as Esther’s win. 

With ambitious goals set for the future, including breaking the 49-second barrier, Joseph is poised to make an even bigger impact on the track.

As AFN trials for the African Games continue, Esther Joseph's unexpected triumph will serve as the highlight of the 2024 AFN trials while also showing the unpredictable nature of sport and the endless potential of rising stars in Nigerian athletics. 

With her name bolden written in track and field history in the nation now, Joseph's journey to the top is could only just be starting.