Team Nigeria is off to a strong start in the track and field events at the African Games in Ghana, claiming multiple medals on day two of action in athletics.
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi successfully defended his African Games title in the men’s Shot Put, securing Nigeria’s first gold medal in athletics with a winning throw.
This marks Enekwechi’s second consecutive title at the African Games, solidifying his dominance in the event on the continent.
Ruth Usoro added another gold medal for Nigeria in the women’s Triple Jump.
Saving her best for last, Usoro clinched the top spot on her final attempt with a jump of 13.80m. This victory marks her first-ever African title.
The day ended blisteringly, with Nigeria winning gold in the 4x400m Mixed Relay event with an African Record.
Omolara Ogunmakinju delivered a sensational anchor leg for Nigeria in the mixed 4x400m relay, erasing a 15-metre deficit and overtaking Botswana in the final 30 metres.
Her incredible surge secured Nigeria the gold medal in a blistering time of 3:13.26. Botswana, despite setting a new national record of 3:13.99, had to settle for silver.
Nigeria missed another gold medal in the women’s Hammer Throw. Sade Olatoye initially threw a Games Record of 68.56m, but Algerian athletes surged ahead to claim both gold and silver.
Despite finishing third, Olatoye achieved a Season’s Best of 68.92m, securing a consolation bronze medal.
Also on Tuesday, Usheoritse Itsekiri delivered a stellar performance in the men’s 100m final, sprinting to a time of 10.23s and securing a silver medal.
This finish upgrades his bronze medal from the 2019 African Games in Rabat. The other Nigerian in the final, Consider Ekanem, also secured a commendable fourth-place finish in the same race.
Meanwhile, Olayinka Olajide made her senior international debut for Nigeria a memorable one, capturing the bronze medal in the women’s 100m with a time of 11.55s.
