Abdul-Rasheed Saminu has exploded into the 2026 Season in emphatic fashion, as he lit up the Jarvis Scott Invitational Championship in Lubbock, Texas, storming to a blistering 6.54 seconds in the men’s 60 metres.

It was not only a season’s best but also a lifetime best for Ghana's men's 100m record holder.

For Saminu, who turned professional this season, the time comfortably meets the qualifying standard for the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Pomerze, Poland.

From the crack of the gun, the Olympian was razor-sharp with a crisp reaction, aggressive drive phase, and a decisive top-end speed in a high-calibre international field. The 28-year-old former University of South Florida student looked every inch a man ready to take his talent onto the global stage.

It was the headline performance of a strong showing by the Ghanaian contingent, who delivered across multiple disciplines in Texas.

James Dadzie continued his steady indoor progression with a solid 6.62 in the men’s 60m, adding further depth to Ghana’s sprint arsenal.

On the women’s side, Anita Afrifa posted a competitive 7.43 seconds in a quality 60m field, laying a strong foundation ahead of the outdoor campaign.

In the women’s 200m, Deborah Acheampong showed her finishing speed with a rapid 23.95 seconds, while Asana Hamish posted 24.71 and Sandra Appiah followed in 25.24. All three gained valuable race sharpness against quality opposition.

Hamish returned in the women’s 400m to record 54.70 seconds, with Appiah clocking 55.49 — solid runs that lay a strong aerobic and speed-endurance base for the months ahead.

Versatility and power

William Opare produced one of the meet’s most impressive doubles, running 21.28 seconds in the 200m before returning to clock 47.67 in the 400m, a demonstration of both speed and stamina.

Benjamin Nsiah, meanwhile, caught the eye in the men’s 400m with a powerful 46.45 seconds, a time that hints at a genuine championship pedigree if he continues on this trajectory.

Ghana’s middle-distance runners also laid down competitive markers. Mercy Angaamchaab ran a composed 2:10.81 minutes in the women’s 800m, combining tactical discipline with strength.

Promising star Vanee Anchike clocked 4:48.91 minutes in the women’s mile race, while William Amponsah continued his dominance in long-distance events after posting 14:09.96 minutes in the men’s 5000m to build a solid endurance platform early in the season.

In the hurdles, Doris Quainoo impressed with an 8.23 metres in the women’s 60m hurdles, showing technical assurance over the barriers. Joshua Taylor followed with 7.83 in the men’s event as he sharpens his rhythm.