Finalists have emerged from the Egba zone of the RIYE Under-15 Athletics Circuit after an exciting opening qualifier held on Monday at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The youth athletics competition, organised by the Tunde Delu Initiative, drew 18 schools to the Egba zone qualifier, underlining the growing interest in grassroots athletics development across Ogun State. Participating schools included Segun Odegbami International College and Sports Academy, Abeokuta Grammar School, Salawu Abiola Comprehensive High School, Rev. Kuti Memorial Anglican School, Greenland Academy, Well Watered Schools, Lafenwa High School, and several others.
How Qualification Works
The competition opened with an athlete screening session before moving to track and field events. The top two finishers in each event secured their place at the RIYE Under-15 Athletics Circuit Grand Finale, scheduled for June 26 at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta.
Egba Zone Results: Track Events
Boys’ 100 Metres: Adigun Noah took first place in 11.56 seconds, with Ehisanya Success qualifying in second with a time of 11.81 seconds.
Girls’ 100 Metres: Elekede claimed victory in 12.42 seconds, ahead of Adegbite Ikmot, who finished second in 12.72 seconds.
Boys’ 200 Metres: Adigun Noah continued his dominant display, winning the 200m to book a second spot in the grand finale. Oyeniran Lukman secured the runner-up qualification.
Girls’ 400 Metres: Gogo Eunice won the event, with Balogun Dorcas finishing second. In the boys’ 400m, Adebayo David and Lasisi Adisa claimed the top two qualifying positions.
Egba Zone Results: Field Events
Boys’ Shot Put: Adesanya Ayanfe and Adegbesan Success secured the top two spots.
Girls’ Shot Put: Olowobese Seyi and Odesanya Oyinkansola qualified from the girls’ category.
Boys’ Long Jump: Awesu Abdulwahab won the event, with Olatunji Jomiloju finishing as runner-up.
Girls’ Long Jump: Oyelaja Ayowande and Okewole Olamide took the first and second qualifying spots respectively.
Organiser Hails Turnout, Eyes Future Champions
Speaking after the Egba zone qualifier, Hon. Tunde Delu, founder of the Tunde Delu Initiative, expressed satisfaction with the strong turnout of schools, athletes, and spectators.
“This initiative is aimed at discovering and nurturing young athletics talents across Ogun State,” Delu said, adding that he is confident the competition will produce future champions.
He commended all participants for their enthusiasm and competitive spirit and expressed optimism ahead of the upcoming qualifiers in Ilaro, Sagamu, and Ijebu-Ode.
What’s Next: RIYE Under-15 Athletics Circuit Schedule
The RIYE Under-15 Athletics Circuit will continue with zonal qualifiers across Ogun State before all finalists converge for the grand finale on June 26 at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta. The competition represents a significant platform for identifying and developing the next generation of Nigerian track and field stars at the under-15 level.