Nigeria’s young athletes showcased their exceptional talent and dominance at the third edition of the CAA African U-18/U-20 Athletics Championships in Abeokuta, culminating in a spectacular final day performance that cemented their position as the continent’s youth athletics powerhouse. The home crowd at the MKO Abiola Stadium roared with excitement as Nigerian athletes swept the podium in multiple events, setting new records and solidifying their nation’s prowess on the track.
Miracle Ezechukwu, a rising star in Nigerian athletics, became the poster child of the championships, capturing her third gold medal in the girls’ 200m event. Her personal best time of 23.87s not only secured individual glory but also led a Nigerian clean sweep, with compatriots Chigozie Nwankwo and Perezide Sigah taking silver and bronze, respectively. Ezechukwu’s triumph, coupled with her earlier 100m gold, marked a remarkable championship debut and highlighted her potential for future greatness. The U-20 women’s 200m race witnessed a similar display of Nigerian dominance. Success Oyibu blazed to victory with a personal best of 23.56s, followed closely by Chioma Cynthia Nweke and Lucy Nwankwo. This remarkable 1-2-3 finish mirrored the U-18 race, demonstrating the depth of talent within Nigerian sprinting.
Beyond individual brilliance, Nigeria’s relay teams showcased exceptional teamwork and speed. Initially facing disqualification in the U-20 men’s 4x100m relay due to a suspected zone violation during a baton exchange, the Nigerian team successfully appealed the decision. The Confederation of African Athletics subsequently awarded the gold medal to the quartet of Saliu Toyeeb, Joachim Uyovwiyoma, John Caleb, and Malik Oluwatobi, securing Nigeria’s third consecutive title in the event. The women’s U-20 4x400m relay team further amplified Nigeria’s success. Odot Udo, Toheebat Jimoh, Anita Enaruna, and Favour Onyah shattered a long-standing championship record by nearly eight seconds, clocking an impressive 3:37.02 and leaving their South African rivals in their dust. The men’s U-20 4x400m relay team followed suit, with Victor Sampson, David Akhalu, Gafar Badmus, and Ezekiel Asuquo setting another championship record with their blistering time of 3:06.66. This remarkable display of speed and coordination capped off a golden final day for Nigeria, underscoring their comprehensive dominance in the relay events.
While Nigeria reigned supreme, other African nations also produced moments of brilliance. South Africa’s Mukona Manavhela emerged as a standout performer, achieving a triple gold medal haul after winning the U-18 boys’ 200m race with a time of 21.29s. Botswana’s Justice Oratile demonstrated his sprinting prowess by completing a double victory in the U-20 category, adding the 200m title to his earlier 400m gold. His 200m time of 21.02s confirmed his status as a rising sprint star in Africa.
The hurdles events also witnessed some impressive performances. South Africa’s Tumi Ramokgopa showcased her versatility by winning both the U-20 100m hurdles and 400m hurdles, highlighting her all-around athleticism. Her compatriot Myburgh Stiaan faced adversity in the U-18 boys’ 400m hurdles, stumbling during the race, but recovered admirably to secure victory with a time of 52.71s. His resilience demonstrated the determination and competitive spirit present among the young athletes.
The championships served as a testament to the growing strength and depth of African athletics. While Nigeria undoubtedly stole the show, the performances of athletes from other nations provided glimpses of their potential and offered hope for a more competitive future. The event not only showcased individual talent but also emphasized the importance of teamwork and national pride, exemplified by the success of the relay teams. The records broken and personal bests achieved throughout the competition signalled a positive trajectory for African athletics, with these young athletes poised to become future stars on the global stage.
The 2023 CAA African U-18/U-20 Athletics Championships will be remembered as a landmark event for Nigerian athletics. The exceptional performances, clean sweeps, and record-breaking feats highlighted the nation’s commitment to developing young talent and its emergence as a dominant force in African athletics. The success of these young athletes provides a strong foundation for future international competitions and reinforces the notion that Nigeria is a breeding ground for world-class athletes. The championships also provided a platform for other African nations to showcase their emerging talents, fostering a spirit of healthy competition and setting the stage for the continued growth and development of athletics across the continent.
