Commonwealth Stars Oji, Ezechukwu Lead Team Nigeria To World U20 Championships

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has named a promising Team Nigeria squad for the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon, United States, with Commonwealth Games medallist Jessica Oji and sprint sensation Miracle Ezechukwu leading the country’s challenge.

The championships will take place from August 5 to 9, bringing together the world’s leading junior athletes across track and field events.

Fresh from representing Nigeria at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, Ezechukwu and Oji head into the competition as the team’s standout performers. Ezechukwu reached the women’s 100 metres semi-finals in Glasgow and was part of the Nigerian women’s 4×100 metres relay team that qualified for the final, while Oji claimed a silver medal in the women’s shot put.

In Oregon, Ezechukwu will contest the women’s 100m and 200m events and is also included in the women’s 4x100m relay squad. Oji will compete in both the women’s shot put and discus, aiming to build on her impressive Commonwealth Games performance.

The Nigerian team features a blend of emerging talents across the sprints, hurdles, relays, jumps and throws.

Rosemary Nwankwo and Lucy Nwankwo join Ezechukwu in the women’s 100m, while Success Oyibu and Tejiri Praise Ugoh will line up alongside her in the 200m.

Becky Ebiyadi, Faith Ezechukwu and Jecinta Lawrence will represent Nigeria in the women’s 400m, while Chika Bakwunye will compete in the women’s 100m hurdles.

The women’s 4x100m relay squad comprises Miracle Ezechukwu, Rosemary Nwankwo, Lucy Nwankwo, Success Oyibu and Chika Bakwunye, while Becky Ebiyadi, Faith Ezechukwu, Jecinta Lawrence and Success Oyibu have been selected for the 4x400m relay.

On the men’s side, Gift Bright and Tejiri Godwin will contest the 100m, with Bright also featuring in the 200m alongside Perfect Faye. David Udoh will compete in the 400m, while Precious Opinion will represent Nigeria in the triple jump.

The men’s 4x100m relay pool includes Gift Bright, Perfect Faye, Tejiri Godwin, Precious Opinion and David Udoh.

According to the NSC, the championships represent a vital platform for Nigeria’s next generation of athletics stars as the country continues to strengthen its pathway from junior development to senior international competition.

The Commission expressed confidence that the young athletes would be inspired by Team Nigeria’s performances at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games and deliver impressive displays on the world stage in Oregon.