Blessing Ogundiran on Monday emerged the fastest woman in Nigeria after sprinting to the women’s 100m title at the ongoing Commonwealth Games Trials at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, Lagos.

The US-based Ogundiran powered through the finish line in an impressive 11.12 seconds (-0.5m/s) to emerge champion in a highly competitive race that showcased the depth of female sprinting talent in the country.

Hot on her heels was Miracle Ezechukwu, who delivered a career-best performance of 11.15 seconds to finish second.

Olayinka Olajide, another athlete based in the USA completed the top three, stopping the clock in 11.28 seconds after another strong display.

After the race, Ogundiran said: “When I was at the start block, I was thinking of what my coach told me that I should just execute my race and not panic, and that was what I did.

” It was a tough time getting here after traveling for almost four days due to what happened in the US (storm) but I am grateful to God that I am going back with the title.”

With the women’s 100m champion crowned, attention now shifts to the men’s event, where the men’s 100m final, with Favour Ashe, Chidera Ezeakor, Fakorede Adekalu, Tejiri Godwin and Enoch Adegoke, all through to the semifinal after winning their various heats on Monday. The semi final and final will be decided today.

Galatasaray have rejected a bid of €125 million for Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, reaffirming their determination to hold onto the Nigerian forward despite mounting pressure from European clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.

The offer, reported by Forza Cimbom, was immediately turned down by the Turkish champions, who have also previously rebuffed a €120 million proposal from Atletico Madrid.

Manchester United, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid all remain in pursuit of the 27-year-old, but Galatasaray have made clear that no offer below their asking price will be entertained.

It is a valuation that the Istanbul club feel is justified by Osimhen’s extraordinary output since arriving in Turkey.

FIFA images: Argentina’s forward Lionel Messi

It was a banner-day for a pair of FIFA World Cup greats.

Mercurial Argentina forward Lionel Messli became the tournament’s all-time top-scorer as he grabbed both goals in a 2-0 win over Austria, while Kylian Mbappe moved joint-second with two of his own.

Having started the day level with Miroslav Klose, La Pulga now stands alone with 18 goals but Mbappe showed that this heavyweight goal battle could go the full eight rounds until a potential New York New Jersey showdown on 19 July.

Prolific Norway marksman Erling Haaland showed that he, too, will be a prominent voice in the adidas Golden Boot conversation, scoring a second consecutive brace as Norway joined Argentina and France in qualifying for the Round of 32 as they edged Senegal by the odd goal in five.