Chioma Nwachukwu and Hafsoh Majekodunmi secured gold and silver respectively for Nigeria in the women’s junior (U-18) 400m race at the ongoing Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U-18/U-20 championship in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The championship, which features athletes from 35 African countries, saw Nwachukwu clock 52.47 seconds to finish first, while Majekodunmi followed in 54.43 seconds. Ethiopia’s Bikes Biset came third with a time of 55.31 seconds.
Speaking after the event, Nwachukwu expressed delight at her performance, stating that her aim had always been to win gold.
“I zero my mind to get the gold medal at this tournament. In 2023, I won the trial, but I couldn’t participate because of my age,” she said.
“I will keep doing my personal best to qualify for future tournaments.”
Majekodunmi, who was making her first appearance in an international competition, admitted she had been nervous before the race.
She praised her teammate for giving her the confidence to face the challenge.
“This will encourage me ahead of national trials. I know I will be facing the heavyweights, but I am happy with my performance today,” she said.
“I know I will not be scared again having had my first international outing.”
In the men’s junior (U-18) 400m event, Kenya’s Simeon Araka took the gold with a time of 47.46 seconds. Ghana’s Odjer Tetley placed second in 47.87 seconds, while Robert Sang of Kenya came third with 47.89 seconds.
(NAN)