Nigerian athletes shone brightly in the 100m events at the African U18 and U20 Championships, securing podium finishes in each of the four sprint finals, www.aclsports.com reports.
Nigeria made history by becoming the first country to claim all three medals in the women’s 100m event. Miracle Ezechukwu led the clean sweep, storming to victory in the U18 girls’ final with a time of 11.88s (-0.4). Her training partner, Chigozie Rosemary Nwankwo, followed closely to secure the Silver medal in 11.96s as both sprinters left their competitors trailing behind. Mariam Jegede completed the medal haul by claiming Bronze in 12.20s.
Team Nigeria once again stamped their authority in the U20 Women’s final, as Chioma Cynthia Nweke blazed to victory with a time of 11.65s despite a -1.9 m/s headwind. Her compatriot, Success Oyibu, ensured a Nigerian sweep of the top two positions by securing Silver in 11.78s. The Bronze medal went to Côte d’Ivoire’s Lou Yonan.
Day 2 wrapped up dramatically with the mixed 4x400m relay, delivering a memorable clash between African powerhouses Nigeria and South Africa. Both nations were evenly matched at the first baton change, with Nigeria momentarily edging ahead before South Africa surged into the lead.
With the gold medal on the line, Favour Onyah took off for the anchor leg, sticking right behind the South African finisher down the back straight. In a dramatic turn of events at the 200m mark, the South African runner stumbled and fell, clearing the path for Onyah to storm ahead and secure a stunning win for Nigeria in 3:22.07. Despite the mishap, South Africa managed to clinch silver in 3:28.30, while Botswana rounded out the podium with bronze in 3:29.38.
Meanwhile, in the U18 Boys’ final, South Africa’s Mukona Manavhela produced an impressive performance to clinch the gold medal in the 100m final, stopping the clock at 10.62s (0.1). His compatriot, Jaydon Fourie, claimed silver with a time of 10.76s despite his packed schedule. Nigeria’s James Clifford powered through in the closing stages, accelerating strongly over the last 30 metres to secure the bronze medal in 10.89s.
Kenya’s Clinton Owatinya won the U20 boys’ race in a time of 10.42s, while Karabo Letebele, the fastest man in the field, settled for silver with 10.54s. Nigeria’s John Caleb clinched the bronze medal with a time of 10.67s.
Team Nigeria will hope to claim more medals before the Athletics Championship comes to an end on Sunday.
