The curtain has fallen on the Team Nigeria selection trials for the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U-18 and U-20 Championships, with several young stars delivering standout performances in Shagamu, Ogun State.
Among the brightest revelations was Destiny Egbon, who lived up to his name in the Boys’ U-18 100m final, storming to victory in 11.09s despite a heavy -4.1 m/s headwind. Adeniyi Adeola and Ajibare Ibrahim followed in 11.26s and 11.33s respectively.
In the Girls’ U-18 100m, Miracle Oluebube Ezechukwu clocked 12.00s (-2.7) to take the title, edging out Rosemary Nwankwo (12.11s) and Perezide Sigah (12.25s) in a tight race.
The U-20 sprints saw dominant wins from established prospects. Cynthia Chioma Nweke showed her class once again, comfortably claiming the women’s 100m in 11.77s (-2.9), with Success Oyibu (12.00s) and Lucy Nwankwo (12.13s) settling for second and
third.
On the men’s side, John Caleb underlined his status as favourite by powering home in 10.75s (-3.6) to win the U-20 men’s 100m. Mayowa Saliu (10.96s) and Oluwatobi Malik (10.98s) rounded out the podium in what was one of the most anticipated races of the meet.
There were also impressive performances in the quarter-mile events. Jecinta Lawrence led the U-18 girls’ 400m with a new personal best of 55.42s, while Toheebat Adebisi Jimoh continued her fine form in the U-20 division, storming to victory in 54.04s — also a lifetime best.
In the U-20 men’s 110m hurdles, Christian Dickson executed a flawless race, dipping perfectly at the line to defeat Oseiwe Salami with a new personal best of 14.46s (-2.8).
Away from the track, Emerald Makua, an SS2 student of Government Model College Asaba, made headlines by winning the Girls’ Shot Put with a mark of 13.60m — a significant achievement for the young thrower.
Speaking after the trials, newly elected AFN board member Coach Lekan Soetan expressed confidence in the team’s potential heading into the continental championship set for Abeokuta.
“We may not have the numbers, but we have race winners and future stars,” Soetan said. “Our biggest competition will come from Egypt, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, and Botswana in the sprints and throws, while East Africa will dominate the distance events. But we are confident in our projection of about 90 athletes and are targeting an excellent
outing on home soil.”
The trials, which began on Monday, have successfully provided Nigeria with a solid squad for the championship, with many eyes now set on Abeokuta as the next generation of Nigerian athletes prepare to battle Africa’s best.
