Nigerian athletes left no one in about their supremacy on the continent by topping the sprints events of the CAA region two Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana.
During the medals presentation, the ceremonial band played the old and new Nigerian anthems leaving Nigerians amused as they celebrated the gold medal haul.
In the women’s 100m, Justina Tiana Eyakpobeyan battled a headwind of -3.4 to finish at 11.52 secs ahead of Olayinka Olajide 11.58 secs and Hor Halutie of Ghana who clocked 11.62secs.
In men’s race plagued by a false start, Adekalu Fakorede was pushed to the second position by Gadayi Edwin and Nigerians athletics officials considered a protest of an infraction committed by the Ghanaian athlete.
But in the women’s 400m there was no stopping Elo Esther Joseph she posted 51.79 secs, she was chased down by Compatriot Patience Okon George who finished 52.10 seconds. Burkina Faso’s Sita Sibiri was third with 53.14secs.
Emmanuel Ifeanyi Ojeli won the men’s race with 45.84 secs.
Faith Osamuyi who failed to make the podium in the women’s 100m hurdles at the African Games, rose to the occasion and posted a 13.66 secs run to win her first international gold.
“I’m delighted with my performance, I come here with the mind to finish well and I’m glad I did it,” said the 16-year- old.
Ronke Akanbi in the women’s 1,500m posted 4.23.18seconds to win the gold.
The events will continue Wednesday with the Nigeria competing in the women long jump, and relays
Athletics Federation of Nigeria president Tonobok Okowa, who is also CAA region two president praised the performances of Nigerian athletes, adding that the number of countries participate was unprecedented.
“This is the highest number of entrance we had so far, we have 10 countries and over 400 athletes.”
