Nigeria stamped its authority on Day 2 of the African U-18/U-20 Championships in Abeokuta on Thursday, delivering a clean sweep in the U-18 women’s 100m final on Thursday, Afrosport reports.
Miracle Ezechukwu led the Nigerian charge, capturing gold in 11.88 seconds. Her training partner Chigozie Rosemary Nwankwo secured silver in 11.96s, Mariam Jegede completed the all-Nigerian podium with Bronze in 12.20s, while South Africa’s Oluchi Ndubueze finished just outside the medals standings in fourth.
In the U-20 women’s 100m final, Cynthia Nweke powered to gold for Nigeria with a time of 11.65s, leading a 1-2 finish for the hosts as Success Oyibu took silver. Ivory Coast’s Lou Yonan claimed bronze, edging out Nigeria’s Lucy Chiamaka Nwankwo, who finished in fourth place.
In the boys’ event, South Africa’s Mukona Manavhela dominated the U-18 100m final, clocking 10.62s to win gold and lead a South African 1-2 finish. His teammate Jaydon Fourie, who shifted focus from long jump to sprinting, earned silver while Nigeria’s James Clifford showed resilience in the closing stages to snatch bronze.
In the U-20 men’s 100m final, Kenya’s Clinton Owatinya stole the spotlight with a commanding gold medal run of 10.42s, holding off South Africa’s injury-affected favourite, Karabo Letebele. Nigeria’s John Caleb completed the podium with a perfectly timed finish for bronze.
On a fruitful Day 2 for the host nation, Nigeria also struck gold in the mixed 4x400m relay. After an intense exchange of leads with South Africa, a stumble from the South African anchor near the final bend left Favour Onyah unchallenged at the front. She brought the baton home to seal Nigeria’s third gold of the day, adding to earlier titles won in the U18 and U20 women’s 100m finals.
