Advertisement
Team Nigeria Athletes competing at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Region 2 Championship in Accra, the Ghanaian capital have started mining the precious matel – gold.
Four members of Team Nigeria Athletics were decked with gold medals on Day 1 of the Championship taking place at the Sports Complex of the University of Ghana, Legon.
In the women’s 100m, Justina Tiana Eyakpobeyan battled a headwind of -3.4 to finish at 11.52 seconds ahead of another teammate Olayinka Olajide who returned a time of 11.58 seconds and Hor Halutie of Ghana who clocked 11.62seconds.
The men’s race was plagued by a false start, Adekalu Fakorede was pushed to the second position by Gadayi Edwin and Nigerians athletics officials considering lodging a protest of an infraction committed by the Ghanaian.
Nigeria dominated the men and women 400m races. In the women’s event, there was no stopping of Elo Esther Joseph, she posted 51.79 seconds, she was chased down by compatriot Patience Okon George who finished 52.10 seconds. Burkina Faso’s Sita Sibiri was third with 53.14 seconds.
The men’s crown went to Emmanuel Ojeli.
Faith Osamuyi who failed to make the podium in the women’s 100m hurdles at the African Games, rose to the occasion and posted a 13.66 seconds run to win her first international gold.
“I’m delighted with my performance, I came here with the mind to finish well and I’m glad I did it,” said the 16 year old.
The championship continues Wednesday with Nigerian athIetes competing in the women long jump, and relays.
Athletics Federation of Nigeria president, Tonobok Okowa, who is also CAA Region 2 president praised the performances of Nigerian athletes, adding that the number of countries participate was unprecedented.
“This is the highest number of entries we had so far, we have 10 countries and over 400 athletes.” Okowa stated.
Advertisement