South Africa Ends Nigeria’s Discus Dominance, Amusan Raises Gold Medal Hopes in Accra

For the first time since Chinwe Okoro’s 2012 triumph, Nigeria failed to claim the women’s discus crown, settling instead for silver and bronze at the 24th African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra.

South Africa’s Stephanie Sandler emerged victorious, denying Nigeria the top podium spot despite strong expectations.

Nigeria’s Divine Oladipo secured silver in her continental debut, while pre-championships favourite Obiageri Amaechi had to settle for bronze, her second bronze but third medal in the history of the Championships.

The result marked a significant shift in the event’s balance of power, ending Nigeria’s long-standing dominance in the discipline.

The absence of Chukwuebuka Enekwechi in the men’s shot put further compounded Nigeria’s opening-day frustrations, leaving the team without a gold medal on Day 1.

Still, the two discus medals ensured Nigeria’s presence on the medal table as the competition got underway.

Day 2, however, promises redemption.

World record holder Tobi Amusan, already sharp with a 12.82s season’s best in her heat, is tipped to secure her third continental gold in the 100m hurdles.

Rosemary Chukwuma is also poised to chase her first senior continental title in the women’s 100m, facing Liberia’s Thelma Davies and Côte d’Ivoire’s Maboundou Koné.

On the men’s side, Favour Ashe will battle Cameroon’s Eseme Emmanuel, the reigning African Games champion, while nursing a hamstring concern.

In the 400m, Nigeria’s Esther Okon faces a formidable lineup including South Africa’s Marlie Viljoen, Ethiopia’s Aliye Ahmed Ajayba, and Ghana’s Florence Agyemang.

The Championships, staged at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, have already set the tone for fierce rivalries and historic performances.