Chukwuma Ends Nigeria’s 12-Year Wait; Men’s 100m Title Drought Hits 18 Years

Nigeria’s sprinting glory returned to the continental stage on Wednesday evening as Rosemary Chukwuma stormed to victory in the women’s 100m final at the African Athletics Championships.

Clocking 11.44 seconds, Chukwuma became the first Nigerian woman in 12 years to claim the coveted title, ending a drought that stretched back to Blessing Okagbare’s triumph in Marrakech in 2014, when she set a championship record of 11.00 seconds.

Chukwuma, once crowned the African Youth Games queen in both the 100m and 200m, has now translated her promise into senior success, cementing her status as the fastest African woman this season.

Her win not only rewrote Nigeria’s recent history in women’s sprinting but also reignited hopes for a new era of dominance on the track.

While the women celebrated, the men’s side extended their barren run. Nigeria’s male sprinters have not won the African Championships 100m title since Olusoji Fasuba’s victory in 2008.

With the next edition set for 2028 in Gaborone, Botswana, it will mark two decades since Fasuba’s triumph.