National Trials for African U18/U20 Athletics Championships Conclude in Shagamu

National Trials for African U18/U20 Athletics Championships Conclude in Shagamu

By Admin 

The Nigerian selection trials for the upcoming African U18 and U20 Athletics Championships conclude on Tuesday in Shagamu, Ogun State, with several young athletes delivering standout performances in their quest to represent the nation at the continental event, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

According to woramangra, among the highlights on Day One was the Boys’ U18 100m final, where Destiny Egbon lived up to his name by clinching victory in 11.9 seconds. In the Girls’ U18 100m, Miracle Oluebube Ezechukwu stormed to gold with a time of 12.00 seconds.

In the U20 category, Cynthia Chioma Nweke dominated the girls’ 100m, clocking 11.77 seconds to secure first place, while pre-race favourite John Caleb impressed in the boys’ 100m, winning in 10.75 seconds.

Jecinta Lawrence emerged as a strong contender for Nigeria in the U18 girls’ 400m, recording a new personal best of 55.42 seconds. In the U20 girls’ 400m, Toheebat Adebisi Jimoh also achieved a personal milestone, winning her event in 54.04 seconds.

In the Boys’ U20 110m hurdles, Christian Dickson delivered a technically sound race, crossing the line first in a new personal best of 14.46 seconds, despite a headwind of -2.8 m/s.

In the field events, Emerald Makua, an SS2 student of Government Model College, Asaba, claimed the Girls’ Shot Put title with a throw of 13.60 meters.

Coach Lekan Soetan, a newly elected board member of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), commended the young athletes’ efforts and expressed optimism about Nigeria’s medal prospects at the continental meet.

“These athletes have the potential to dominate the continent. Our toughest competition will likely come from Egypt, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, and Botswana in sprints and throws, while Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia remain strong in long-distance events,” said Soetan.

He added that the projected Nigerian team of approximately 90 athletes is expected to perform strongly at the African U18 and U20 Championships, scheduled to hold from July 16 to 20, 2025, at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The event will welcome athletes from over 50 countries across the continent.