Aderemi Breaks Into 50-Second Territory, Sets Sights on Bigger Heights

Posted : 16 August 2026

Seventeen-year-old Nigerian quarter-miler Iyanuoluwa Aderemi is fast emerging as one of the country’s most promising young 400m talents after making another significant improvement at the Dynamic Athletics Meet 2026 in Lagos.

Aderemi clocked 50.95 seconds to win her women’s 400m heat at the third edition of the meet at the Yaba Tech Sports Complex on Saturday, August 15, cutting 0.91 seconds off the 51.86-second personal best she set at the National Trials on June 21.

The remarkable improvement in less than two months has placed Aderemi firmly in the 50-second bracket and highlighted her rapid development as she continues to make her mark in the event.

Her performance also drew praise from Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Second Vice President Akuchukwu Aghazu, who marvelled at the teenager’s progress.

“This would have won gold in Oregon. Almost a second off her time in three months? Wow,” Aghazu said.

Aderemi was pushed hard during the race by Esther Peter Okon, who finished second in 51.52 seconds, while Onyinyechi Success Onu placed third in 54.31 seconds.

Oluchi Ezeh finished fourth in 55.11 seconds, followed by Joseph Joy Ayomide in 55.57, Ayi Blessing Sekibo in 55.79 and Ufuoma Merit in 57.63. Faith Ezechukwu did not start.

Aderemi’s progress is particularly encouraging when compared with the development of some of Nigeria’s leading quarter-milers at a similar age.

At 16, Favour Ofili improved her 400m time from 52.28 seconds in April 2019 in Abidjan to 51.68 seconds at the African Games in Rabat in August of the same year.

Beyond the performances on the track, the Dynamic Athletics Meet has continued to receive support from former Nigerian athletes and sports stakeholders, with financial incentives designed to encourage athletes to push their limits.

Former sprinter Olusoji Fasuba and Endurance Ojokolo each committed ₦200,000 incentives for the 100m events, while Princess Mabel Madojiemu pledged ₦200,000 for the 400m.

Former Olympic medallist Enefiok Udo-Obong also offered ₦500,000 each to the male and female 400m winners, subject to specified performance standards. The male winner must run 45.50 seconds or faster, while the female winner must achieve 50.80 seconds or faster.

The incentive is being personally funded by Udo-Obong and is separate from the finances of Dynamic Athletics.

The 800m events also received ₦200,000 from former athlete and Caligeo Suites CEO Gbolahan Fatuga, with the prize money shared between the men’s and women’s races. Winners receive ₦50,000, runners-up ₦30,000 and third-place finishers ₦20,000.

Coach Felix Onoriode contributed another ₦40,000 for the U-11 and U-15 100m winners, with ₦10,000 allocated to each of the four categories.

Fatuga said the incentives had helped raise the competitive spirit at the meet while also reacting to Aderemi’s impressive performance.

“Perhaps inspired by the ₦1 million that another former quarter-miler had on the table for sub-50, she was so close,” he said.

For Aderemi, however, the biggest reward may be the progress reflected on the stopwatch.

Moving from 51.86 seconds in June to 50.95 seconds in August represents a dramatic 0.91-second improvement and brings the teenager closer to the elite sub-50-second mark.

With continued development, competition and support, Aderemi’s latest breakthrough could mark the beginning of an exciting chapter in Nigeria’s women’s 400m programme.

Aderemi Breaks Into 50-Second Territory, Sets Sights on Bigger Heights

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics