Team Nigeria put up a dominant display on Day 1 of the CAA Region II Senior Athletics Championships at the University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, on Monday.
Nigerian sprinters Olaolu Olatunde and Chioma Nweke stole the spotlight in the men’s and women’s 100m finals, while Treasure Omosivwe claimed her first international medal in the high jump.
Sprint Glory
In the men’s 100m, Olatunde got off to a flying start and maintained his lead to cross the line in 10.60s, slightly slower than his 10.56s effort in the heats. Ghana’s Arthur Kevin Pantsill finished second in 10.63s, while Cote d’Ivoire’s Abdul Razak Kone settled for bronze in 10.71s.
The women’s 100m saw Nweke live up to expectations as she stormed to victory in 11.62s (0.5 wind). Newly wedded Olayinka Olajide claimed silver with 11.72s, while Gambia’s Sey Isatou took bronze in 12.00s.
400m Upset
The women’s 400m produced a surprise result as Nigerian veteran Patience Okon George was edged out on the home stretch by Burkina Faso’s Sita Sibiri, who clocked 51.74s for gold. Okon George settled for silver in 52.09s, while Nigeria’s Favour Onyah clinched bronze in 52.24s.
Nigeria bounced back in the men’s 400m, with Gafari Badmus storming home in 45.53s to secure gold. Ezekiel Asuquo followed in 46.38s, while Ghana’s Mordecai Achepong placed third in 46.63s.
Omosivwe Shines in High Jump
Promising high jumper Treasure Omosivwe earned her first international medal, winning gold with a clearance of 1.70m. Burkina Faso’s Badello Odette managed 1.50m for silver. Omosivwe attempted 1.76m in a bid to surpass her 1.75m personal best, but narrowly missed out.
Relay Triumphs, But No Qualification
Nigeria’s relay teams claimed double gold in the 4x100m, but their times were not fast enough to secure qualification for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo next month.
The women’s quartet of Iyanuoluwa Bada, Maria Thompson, Olayinka Olajide, and Chioma Nweke won gold in 44.92s. Burkina Faso (46.56s) and Ghana (46.71s) followed in second and third.
In the men’s 4x100m, the team of Chidera Ezeakor, Gafar Audu, James Taiwo Emmanuel, and anchor Olatunde Olaolu produced a thrilling finish, overtaking Ghana in the home straight to win gold in a Season’s Best 39.74s.
Ghana claimed silver in 39.75s, while Burkina Faso finished third in 40.95s.
With Day 1 wrapped up, Nigeria leads the medal charge as the Championships conclude today, Tuesday, August 19, 2025, in Accra.
