Athletics: Ezechukwu Defends Junior 100M Title In Jos

Miracle Ezechukwu has cemented her status as Nigeria’s fastest young woman, defending her Junior 100m title at the MTN CHAMPS Continental Relays in Jos with a blistering performance that set a new national U-20 record on Day 2 of the competition at the New Jos Stadium, Plateau State.

The N-Youth Sports athlete clocked 11.42 seconds in the final, having earlier lit up the semifinals with a personal best of 11.26s — a time that not only stands as a new MTN CHAMPS U-20 record but also represents the Nigerian lead this season and places her joint fifth on the Nigerian U-20 all-time list.

Team MTN’s Lucy Nwankwo crossed the line in 11.65s to take second place, while Rosemary Nwankwo settled for third in 11.78s. Both athletes had earlier impressed in the semifinals, with Lucy clocking 11.52s to qualify for the World U-20 Championships, and Rosemary posting 11.44s — her fastest time under all conditions.

The men’s Junior 100m belonged to Team MTN’s Emmanuel Akolo, who overcame the age-group jump, competing in the Junior category despite being Youth-eligible — to win in a wind-aided 10.63s, his fastest time under any condition. His MoC Athletics Academy teammates, Reuben Destiny (10.74s) and Alvin Onyeama (10.76s), completed the podium behind him.

Team MTN’s Toheebat Jimoh produced a fine double display, winning the women’s 100m in a personal best of 12.03s and taking silver in the 400m in a season’s best of 53.88s. Ojone Akubo-Adegbe and Chidera Ajeroh placed second and third in the 100m.

The men’s 100m saw Okechukwu Ezeh dominate from start to finish. Having set the pace in the semifinals with a personal best of 10.47s, he crossed the finish line first in the final with 10.61s. Aina Precious (10.70s) and Enoch Dabo (10.76s) came in behind him.

In the Youth Boys’ 100m, Team MTN’s Fervent Edet upgraded his silver from Calabar to gold in Jos, clocking 11.15s across a flawless run in all rounds. Shabi Weynom (12.08s) and Matthew Ngowu (12.37s) took the remaining spots on the podium.

Enilolobo claimed the Youth Girls’ 100m title, edging out Rofiat Bakare of Girls’ Grammar School, Ijebu-Igbo, and Josephine Onyemauche of Fast Feet.

In the Cadet Girls’ 100m, Honor Anthony won in 14.50s, narrowly ahead of Nantap Zachariah and Acelynn Alex, who both finished in 14.62s. Attach Boyi took the Cadet Boys’ equivalent in 13.18s, ahead of Mohammed Khalid (13.35s) and Chibuez Nwagwe (13.67s).

The 400m events produced equally thrilling results. Team MTN’s Ezekiel Asuquo won the men’s race in a lifetime best of 46.26s, with teammate Benjamin Magaji posting a personal best of 47.17s for second place and Mfoniso Frank rounding out the top three in 47.24s — also a personal best.

In the Junior men’s 400m, Team MTN’s Michael Aniche confirmed his Calabar victory was no fluke, surging from behind to triumph in a massive personal best of 48.19s. Prosper Ushie (48.68s personal best) and Chinedu Victor (50.01s) completed the top three.

Faustina Obi claimed the women’s 400m title in 55.40s, ahead of Chioma Edeh (55.79s) and Oluchi Ezeh (56.78s).

Team MTN’s Chizoba Onyemauwa delivered a commanding solo effort in the Youth Girls’ 400m, posting a personal best of 58.19s and finishing well clear of Patience Shepnan (1:10.06) and Juliet Nwoye (1:15.60). Zikirullah Ibrahim won the Youth Boys’ equivalent ahead of Nuhu Bamiyan and Abdulmalik Aliyu (55.74s).

In the Cadet Girls’ 400m, Esther Abedwunmi claimed victory ahead of 100m champion Honor Anthony and Yashim Zugwai, while Kyspan Bitrus won the Cadet Boys’ race ahead of Ahmad Lawal and Rotshak Luka.