Abuja: Team Nigeria delivered an impressive performance on the opening day of the Senior Athletic Championships in Accra, Ghana, securing first- and second-place finishes across multiple events.
Rosemary Chukwuma opened the doors for Team Nigeria with her easy win in the women’s 100m heat 2, with a flash time of 11.44s.
Chukwuma jugged through the finish line after giving her opponents an unreachable distance.
Chidera Ezeakor followed with an even faster time in the men’s 100m heat with a flash time of 10.38s, beating Ghana’s fastest man, Abdul-Rasheed Saminu, to the win. Samson Nathaniel continued Team Nigeria’s success in the men’s 400m, finishing first. Omuka Kenneth of Uganda finished second, and Musika Malongo of Kenya came third.
South Africa’s Marlie Viljeon finished first in the women’s 400m heat, but Nigeria’s Esther Okon’s second-place finish was enough to qualify her to the second round.
Turning to the hurdles, world record holder Tobi Amusan lived up to expectations as she clocked a season’s best of 12.82s to advance to the final on Wednesday. Amusan was the overall fastest in the two heats.
Ashe, who was earlier disqualified for a false start, was granted a chance for a solo run after Nigeria’s appeal. Favour clocked a time of 10.55s and qualified for the 100m Semi-final on Wednesday.
Adding to the day’s achievements, Nigeria also bagged two medals in the women’s Discus event.
Divine Oladipo seized 2nd place, earning a Silver medal in her first outing for Nigeria. Obiageri Ameachi joined her on the podium, capturing the Bronze Medal.
The Senior Athletic Championships started on 12 May and will continue until May 17, with Nigerians competing in many categories.
