Ofili, Chukwuma, Nathaniel Set For Lone Star Grand Prix Debut In Texas

Nigeria’s top athletics stars will be in action at the inaugural Lone Star Grand Prix in Texas on Saturday, June 6, with Favour Ofili, Ezekiel Nathaniel, Rosemary Chukwuma and Ella Onojuvwevwo all confirmed for the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting.

The event forms part of the new USATF Tour and is one of only two Continental Tour Gold competitions taking place in the United States this season, alongside the Los Angeles Grand Prix later this month.

Ofili heads into the women’s 200m looking to make another statement against world-class opposition.

The 150m world record holder, whose recent bid to switch nationality to Turkey was rejected, has been drawn in a stacked field featuring reigning Olympic champion Gabby Thomas, Olympic 400m finalist Rhasidat Adeleke, world and Olympic finalist Deajah Stevens and in-form American sprinter Cambrea Sturgis.

The race also includes rising American teenager Mariah Maxwell and World Championships relay gold medallists Jenna Prandini and Kayla White.

Chukwuma will contest the women’s 100m after posting a personal best of 10.95 seconds and a wind-assisted 10.81 earlier this season.

The Nigerian faces a formidable line-up that includes 2023 world 4x100m relay champion Tamari Davis and Jamaican relay star Jodean Williams.

In the women’s 400m, Onojuvwevwo will seek to build on the momentum generated by her African indoor record of 50.28 and a season-opening outdoor run of 49.59. She is set to line up against Jamaica’s Stacey Ann Williams as well as American athletes Britton Wilson and Bailey Lear.

Nathaniel, the African 400m hurdles record holder, begins his season in the men’s 400m hurdles. He will face strong competition from world finalist Caleb Dean, who has already clocked 47.75 this year, and 2022 world bronze medallist Trevor Bassitt, whose season-best stands at 47.82.

Elsewhere, Jamaican sprint star Oblique Seville is expected to feature in the men’s 100m alongside Olympic champion Andre De Grasse, former world indoor champion Trayvon Bromell, 2023 world bronze medallist Zharnel Hughes and 9.83-second performer Ronnie Baker.