Miracle Ezechukwu produced the fastest Junior Girls’ 100m time at MTN CHAMPS Season 4, clocking 11.67 seconds into a -1.3m/s headwind to reach the World U-20 qualifying mark.
The organisers confirmed the feat in a statement on Thursday as competition intensified at the ongoing cadet athletics classics at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar.
MTN CHAMPS Media Officer, Babatunde Koiki, said Ezechukwu’s performance had secured her qualification for the World U-20 Championships scheduled for August in the United States.
Koiki said the championship had delivered thrilling competition as athletes battled for honours across the Cadet, Youth, Junior and Senior categories.
“The races followed a colourful opening ceremony at the U.J. Esuene Stadium attended by several dignitaries, including Cross River Deputy Governor Peter Odey,” he said.
He listed other dignitaries as Sports Commissioner Agnes Atsu, MTN Chief Marketing Officer Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, NSSF Vice-President Emmanuel Ebong and AFN Technical Director Gabriel Okon.
“Miracle Ezechukwu posted the fastest time in the Junior Girls’ 100m, clocking 11.67 seconds into a -1.3m/s headwind.
“Her teammate Rosemary Chigozie followed in 11.89 seconds with a -2.4m/s headwind, while Team MTN’s Lucy Nwankwo finished third overall in 12.22 seconds,” Koiki said.
In the Junior Boys’ 100m, Godwin Oghenerunor led the field in 10.75 seconds, ahead of Liberty Okon in 10.97 seconds and Team MTN’s Alvin Onyeama.
“The Youth Girls’ race saw Miracle Festus Okon lead qualifiers in 12.26 seconds, ahead of Glory Bassey in 12.41 seconds and Team MTN’s Rebecca Enilolobo.
“Team MTN’s Emmanuel Akolo dominated his boys’ heat in 11.50 seconds, while Otobong Patrick ran 11.52 seconds and Nwabueze Kenechukwu 11.99 seconds,” he said.
In the men’s 100m heats, Wisdom Alexander led with 10.71 seconds, while Showers Ushie ran 10.83 seconds and Nkereuwem Ibok posted 10.85 seconds.
Koiki added that Iwara Mathias and Emmanuel Ojeli also won their respective heats, both recording 10.87 seconds.
“Ethiopia’s Merdekiyos Wolde Wachiso led the men’s 400m heats with 47.20 seconds,” he said.
He noted that the Ethiopian delegation of eight athletes and two officials would compete in the men’s and women’s 4x400m and the mixed 4x400m relays.
“Team MTN’s Ezekiel Asuquo finished second overall in 47.59 seconds, while Obashola Olaoluwa placed third in 48.01 seconds.
“Team MTN’s Michael Aniche recorded a personal best of 49.15 seconds ahead of Mfoniso Bassey’s 49.36 seconds.
“Prosper Ushie won his heat in 49.68 seconds to place third overall in the Junior Boys’ 400m heats,” he said.
Koiki said the championship would continue with the finals of the 100m and 400m events among other competitions.
