RIYE U-15 Championship Uncovers New Athletics Talents in Abeokuta
The maiden RIYE Under-15 Athletics Championship successfully unearthed a new generation of athletics talents, with several young athletes producing outstanding performances at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Kuto, Abeokuta.
The one-day championship, which featured athletes from the Remo, Ijebu, Egba and Yewa (RIYE) divisions of Ogun State, showcased the depth of grassroots talent and provided a platform for future stars to announce themselves.
The standout performer in the girls’ category was 14-year-old Olufunmilayo Kuku of Muslim Girls High School, Ijebu-Ode, who claimed an impressive three gold medals in the 100 metres, 200 metres and 100 metres relay.
Kuku also recorded a new personal best in the sprint finals to underline her status as one of Ogun State’s brightest young prospects.
Her remarkable performances earned her a total prize purse of ₦150,000, while runners-up and third-place finishers in her events received ₦30,000 and ₦20,000 respectively.
Reacting after her victories, Kuku credited her coaches for her success, adding that the championship had already attracted the attention of coaches, scouts and sports stakeholders.
In the boys’ competition, 13-year-old Sodiq Olaniyi of Luba Comprehensive High School, Ijebu-Ode, also stole the spotlight by winning gold medals in the 400 metres and the 400 metres relay.
Olaniyi won the individual 400 metres in 55.34 seconds, ahead of Haruna Abdul-Basit (55.63s), while Adisa Lasisi finished third in 56.65 seconds. His double triumph earned him ₦100,000 in prize money.
The youngster admitted he was surprised by his achievement, attributing his success to the quality preparation and technical guidance he received from his coach.
Another impressive performance came from 14-year-old Ibrahim Abdul-Ahmed of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education Secondary School, Ijebu-Ode, who sprinted to victory in the boys’ 100 metres. He received a ₦50,000 cash prize presented by Ogun State Director of Sports, Seyi Sonde.
The middle-distance events also produced exciting contests.
Abigeal Ogunbowale won the girls’ 800 metres in 2:22.75, finishing ahead of Faridat Oluokun (2:27.94) and Soliat Taiwo (2:29.45).
In the boys’ 800 metres, Samuel Adegbuyi claimed gold with a winning time of 2:02.68, ahead of Oluwaseun Idowu and Saheed Alebiosu.
The field events were equally competitive as Risikat Kehinde of Ijebu-Mushin School won the girls’ long jump title, while Great Edevede of Simawa High School and Adeola Fasasi of Batoro High School finished second and third respectively.
In the girls’ shot put, Fathia Otubu produced the best throw of the competition with 9.09 metres to secure gold, ahead of Endurance Egbamuno, who threw 8.63 metres for silver.
Speaking after the championship, organiser and Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Youth Development, Hon. Tunde Delu, expressed satisfaction with the quality of talents discovered during the event.
He said the championship had achieved its objective of identifying and nurturing young athletes, while revealing plans to expand future editions.
“From next year, we are looking forward to discovering more talents and accommodating more athletes to express themselves because it is good for Ogun State and the country,” Delu said.
He added that several participants had already attracted the attention of coaches and talent scouts, noting that organisers intend to develop the RIYE Athletics Circuit into a structured junior, intermediate and elite competition capable of attracting athletes from across Nigeria and beyond.
Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, also praised the initiative, describing it as a valuable platform for identifying athletes capable of representing Ogun State at the forthcoming National Youth Games in Delta State before progressing to higher levels of competition.
Olopade reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting grassroots sports development programmes in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that sustained investment in youth competitions remains essential to securing Nigeria’s sporting future.
