Golden day for Team Nigeria as Amusan inspires medal rush in Accra

 

By Maxwell Kumoye in Accra

 

 

 

Team Nigeria produced one of its most impressive performances yet at the 24th African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana, with world record holder Tobi Amusan spearheading a memorable medal haul on a thrilling day of competition.

Amusan delivered Nigeria’s first gold medal of the championships after storming to victory in the women’s 100m hurdles final, reaffirming her dominance on the continent.

The Nigerian star had looked untouchable throughout the rounds, posting the fastest times in both the heats and semi-finals before finishing the job in commanding style in the final.

The event also brought more joy for Team Nigeria as compatriot Adaobi Tabugbo clinched bronze to secure her first individual medal for the country, while Ashley Miller denied the Nigerians a clean sweep of the top two spots.

Nigeria’s women sprinters also came close to another gold medal in dramatic fashion through Rosemary Chukwuma in the women’s 100m final.

Chukwuma appeared set for victory after leading into the closing stages and celebrating at the finish line, only for officials to overturn the result following multiple reviews of the photo-finish images.

Cameroon’s Harverge Kole Etame was eventually declared winner by the slimmest of margins, with both athletes clocking 11.48 seconds, leaving Chukwuma to settle for silver after a heartbreaking finish.

In the men’s 100m final, Chidera Ezeakor ensured Nigeria remained on the podium after sprinting to bronze in 10.33 seconds. 

Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme successfully defended his title, while South Africa’s Bradley Nkoana claimed silver.

Nigeria also added another silver medal in the women’s hammer throw through Oyesade Olatoye, who produced a strong performance to finish second and further boost Team Nigeria’s medal tally in Accra.

Nigeria, however, found redemption later in the evening as the mixed 4x400m relay team produced a sensational performance to win gold and cap a successful day for the country.

The quartet of Ezekiel Asuquo, Salamatu Jimoh, Victor Imeh and Patience Okon-George combined brilliantly to overpower the field.

After Asuquo kept Nigeria in contention on the opening leg, Jimoh electrified the race by surging from third position into the lead. 

Imeh preserved the advantage before Okon-George delivered a composed anchor leg to secure victory and spark celebrations among Team Nigeria officials.

Nigeria’s strong showing in Accra follows an encouraging start to the championships, where Divine Oladipo and Obiageri Amaechi won silver and bronze respectively in the women’s discus.

With gold, silver and bronze medals arriving across several events, Team Nigeria continues to establish itself as one of the dominant forces at the continental championships in Ghana.