Ese Brume Returns After 9-month Layoff Following Car Crash
Nigeria’s long jump queen Ese Brume made a long-awaited return to competitive action after spending nine months on the sidelines following a car accident, sportsbeat.ng reports.
Ese Brume joined Favour Ofili and Ella Onojuvwevwo in delivering impressive performances for Nigeria at the LA Grand Prix.
Brume, competing for the first time since the accident that kept her out of action for months, showed encouraging signs in the women’s long jump event.
The Nigerian star produced a best leap of 6.53 metres with a tailwind reading of +2.5m/s to finish fifth in a highly competitive field.
The event was won by reigning world champion Tara Davis-Woodhall, who recorded a wind-assisted jump of 7.25m after earlier posting a wind-legal world-leading mark of 7.20m.
On the track, Ofili stole the spotlight with a commanding victory in the women’s 200 metres, clinching her first win of the 2026 season. Despite battling a strong headwind of -3.1m/s, the Nigerian sprint sensation powered to victory in 22.45 seconds.
Compatriot Rosemary Chukwuma also impressed by finishing third in 22.94s, while Gemima Joseph placed second in 22.88s.
The result marked another important step in Ofili’s preparations for the major international championships later in the year.
Nigeria’s strong outing continued in the women’s 400 metres, where Onojuvwevwo finished second with a time of 50.25 seconds.
The Nigerian entered the race in excellent form after running a personal best of 49.47 seconds in Texas the previous week.
American runner Aaliyah Butler won the race in 49.90 seconds ahead of the Nigerian.
In the men’s shot put, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi maintained his consistent form this season with a throw of 21.33m to finish fifth.
Jamaican athlete Rajindra Campbell claimed victory in the event with a best effort of 21.94m.
The performances by Ofili, Onojuvwevwo, Brume and Enekwechi underlined another encouraging outing for Nigerian athletics on the international stage, highlighted by podium finishes, strong times and Brume’s inspiring return to competition after months away from the sport.
