Miracle Ezechukwu Races to Nigerian 100m Lead at MTN CHAMPS Relays in Jos

Miracle Ezechukwu has raced to the top of the Nigerian 100m outdoor list for 2026 after storming to an 11.26s lifetime best on her way to winning the blue ribband event at the MTN CHAMPS Continental Relays in Jos.

The N-Youth Sports athlete reaffirmed her dominance in the women’s Junior 100m, defending her title with a final run of 11.42s after her record-breaking semifinal performance.

Her blistering time not only set a new MTN CHAMPS U-20 record but also established her as the Nigerian Lead this season.

It moves her to joint 5th on the Nigerian U-20 all-time list, while also making her the third fastest U-20 athlete globally in 2026 and the fastest African sprinter this year across both junior and senior levels.

Ezechukwu’s mark eclipsed Ghana’s Deborah Acheampong (11.30s) and Nigeria’s Blessing Ogundiran (11.37s), underlining her status as the continent’s standout sprinter, so far.

Team MTN’s Lucy Nwankwo finished second in 11.65s, while Rosemary Nwankwo claimed third in 11.78s. Both athletes impressed in the semifinals, with Lucy qualifying for the World U-20 Championships in 11.52s and Rosemary setting her fastest time under all conditions at 11.44s.

The men’s Junior 100m final saw Team MTN’s Emmanuel Akolo, competing above his age group, storm to victory in a wind-aided 10.63s. His MoC Athletics Academy teammates Reuben Destiny (10.74s) and Alvin Onyeama (10.76s) completed the podium.

Elsewhere, Team MTN’s Toheebat Jimoh sprinted to victory in the women’s 100m with a Personal Best of 12.03s, while Okechukwu Ezeh dominated the men’s 100m final in 10.61s after setting a PB of 10.47s in the semifinals.

The 400m races also delivered lifetime bests, with Ezekiel Asuquo clocking 46.26s to win the men’s event and Michael Aniche surging to a Junior men’s PB of 48.19s.

The action-packed day confirmed Nigeria’s growing sprinting depth, but it was Ezechukwu’s record-breaking run that stood out as the defining moment, cementing her place as the nation’s fastest woman in 2026.