Nigeria asserted its dominance in youth athletics on the final day of the third edition of the CAA African U-18/U-20 Athletics Championships, with standout performances headlined by Miracle Ezechukwu and a sensational sweep of the girls’ 200m events.
At a buzzing MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Sunday, the host nation delivered a memorable finale, capturing multiple golds, shattering records, and sweeping the sprint podiums across both U-18 and U-20 categories.
In the U-18 girls’ 200m final, home favourite Miracle Ezechukwu powered to her third gold medal of the meet, clocking a new personal best of 23.87s. Her compatriots Chigozie Nwankwo (24.01s) and Perezide Sigah (24.26s) followed closely behind, completing a dominant 1-2-3 finish for Nigeria.
Ezechukwu, who had earlier stormed to gold in the 100m and anchored Nigeria’s victorious 4x100m team, described the experience as “a dream come true,” thanking her coach and the event organisers for the platform.
Shortly after Ezechukwu’s triumph, Success Oyibu led another Nigerian sweep in the U-20 women’s 200m final, storming to a personal best of 23.56s. She was trailed by 100m champion Chioma Cynthia Nweke (23.95s) and Lucy Nwankwo (24.24s), as Nigeria claimed all six medals available across both girls’ sprint events.
“I give all glory to God,” Oyibu said after the race. “This medal is the result of months of hard work and prayer.”
Relay Dominance and Championship Records
Earlier in the day, Nigeria successfully appealed a disqualification in the U-20 men’s 4x100m relay, after the Confederation of African Athletics ruled that the baton exchange was legal. The quartet of Saliu Toyeeb, Joachim Uyovwiyoma, John Caleb, and Malik Oluwatobi were reinstated and awarded gold—Nigeria’s third straight title in the event.
In the U-20 women’s 4x400m relay, Nigeria stormed to gold and a new championship record. The team of Odot Udo, Toheebat Jimoh, Anita Enaruna, and Favour Onyah clocked 3:37.02, demolishing a 1997 record and finishing nearly eight seconds ahead of runners-up South Africa.
The final event of the night saw the U-20 men’s 4x400m team deliver another statement performance. The team of Victor Sampson, David Akhalu, Gafar Badmus, and Ezekiel Asuquo set a new championship mark of 3:06.66, capping a glittering day for Team Nigeria.
Notable Performances from Across Africa
While Nigeria stole the show, there were notable individual performances from other nations:
South Africa’s Mukona Manavhela captured his third gold medal by winning the U-18 boys’ 200m in 21.29s. Botswana’s Justice Oratile completed a commanding U-20 sprint double, adding the 200m crown (21.02s) to his 400m gold.
Tumi Ramokgopa of South Africa impressed with a double victory in the U-20 100m and 400m hurdles, showcasing her versatility and power. Myburgh Stiaan, also from South Africa, overcame a stumble to take gold in the U-18 boys’ 400m hurdles with a time of 52.71s.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s performance at the 2025 African U-18/U-20 Athletics Championships not only confirmed its regional supremacy in youth athletics but also signaled a bright future for the country on the global stage. With multiple clean sweeps, record-breaking relays, and inspirational individual displays, the host nation delivered a masterclass in team execution and athletic excellence.