Team Nigeria had a mixed day of joy and sadnesses in the day 2 of the African Senior Athletics Championship on going in Mauritius.
The day had started with some bad news that one of the team’s stars and three time African champion, Ese Brume would not make it for the championship.
According to Making of Champions, the long jumper had issues with her passport hence her missing from the tournament but that would not deter the team as Tobi Amusan produced a stunning performance in the wind to retain her crown in the 100m hurdles.
The African champion ran 12.58secs in what will become a new championship record when officially confirmed to win Team Nigeria’s first gold medal at the championship. Tobi joins Maria Usifo and Glory Alozie to be the only Nigerians to defend their sprint hurdle title.
Tobi’s performance was followed by the triumphant mixed 4×400 team that won silver for Team Nigeria. The quartet made of Emmanuel Ojeli, Ella Onojuvwewo, Ayo Adeola and Patience Okon-George finished in a season best of 3:22.38 to finish second behind Botswana.
The good day continued for Team Nigeria as another silver medal was in the bag, this time from high jump as Temitope Adeshina in the women’s high jump finished sedond after jumping 1.79m.
After wining the silver medal in the mixed 4x400m, Patience Okon-George qualified for the women’s 400m final after racing to victory in the semifinal in a time of 53.24s while Praise Idamadudu’s 54.44secs finish could only see her to 4th position but will be hoping to qualify for the final via the fatest loser spot.
The day would be rounded up with the men’s and women’s 100m finals where Team Nigeria finsihed 4th in both events. Tima Godbless ran 11.27s (+4.8) in the women’s event while Raymond Ekevwo’s efforts saw him end his impressive run in 4th in 10.03secs (+4.5) narrowly missing out on the bronze medal.
Team Nigeria would be hopeful of having another medals filled day tomorrow when the championship enters day 3
