By Ben Efe
Commonwealth Games champion, Ese Brume launched herself into reckoning for a medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics, with a jump of 6.83m in the long jump event of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria golden league held yesterday in Akure, Ondo State.

Brume, who struggled with her form in 2015 improved on her personal best of 6.68m and barring any circumstances she could be in the final of the Rio Olympics. The 6.83m is the best jump so far  among the African women and sixth best jump in the world this season, this represents a gold at the African Championships billed for Durban South Africa this month.

Ese Brume

“I was quite determined to make the Olympic Games here in Akure. I am glad my hard work has paid off,”said Brume.

In the women 400m, Patience Okon George ran her season’s best in the 400m at 51.06 seconds. But the biggest upset of the day was when Divine Oduduru beat Ogho-Oghene Egwero in the men 100m in a very tight race.

Oduduru clocked 10.29 seconds, while Egwero who had won two legs of the golden league finished in 10.30 seconds.

Athletics Federation of Nigeria president, Solomon Ogba was delighted with the performances. He stated that about 35 Nigerian athletes have so far qualified for the Olympics.