Nigeria’s Blessing Okagbare sensationally became the Commonwealth champion last night when she ran 10.85 seconds to beat the pack that included Jamaican duo of Veronica Campbell-Brown and Kerron Stewart who took the silver and bronze in 11.03 and 11.07 respectively. 

On the stands cheering was Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State who has been the pillar of many Nigerian athletes including Okagbare. He was emotional about the victory, jumping and sending high fives to Nigerians around him.

“It was a deserved victory. She has made Nigeria proud and we are happy about this sweet victory,” Uduaghan said.

After the World Championship in Russia last year, Uduaghan approved special training grants for Okagbare. Blessing was so emotional that she shed tears and promised Uduaghan that she would deliver a world title in his honour. She did so yesterday.

“This is great for Nigeria. Uduaghan is a powerful motivator. He inspired this victory,” Amaju Pinnick, the Delta State chairman of Sports Commission said.

Uduaghan had visited Nigerian athletes yesterday to motivate them.

The athletes jumped in celebration to receive him.

“It feels great to get this far and win. I’m grateful to God. I thank all those behind this success especially our Governor who is here to support us morally after his financial support,” Blessing said.

She had pulled out her spike shoe to celebrate immediately after the race that saw another Nigerian Blessing Asumnu placing last. She hopes to make up with the relay event.