Miracle Ezechukwu Qualifies for World U20s as MTN CHAMPS Calabar Thrills
Reigning African U18 double sprint champion Miracle Ezechukwu lit up the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar, Cross River state on the opening day of the MTN CHAMPS Athletics Classics, storming to victory in the Junior Girls’ 100m with a time of 11.67s into a -1.3m/s headwind, 0.01 seconds faster than her previous lifetime best set in 2024.
Her performance not only secured the fastest time overall but also booked her ticket to the World U20 Championships in the United States later this year.
Ezechukwu’s teammate Rosemary Chigozie followed closely with 11.89s, while Team MTN’s Lucy Nwankwo placed third in 12.22s.
The Junior Boys’ 100m saw Godwin Oghenerunor dominate in 10.75s, ahead of Liberty Okon (10.97s) and Team MTN’s Alvin Onyeama.
In the Youth Girls’ category, Miracle Festus Okon topped qualifiers in 12.26s, while Team MTN’s Emmanuel Akolo impressed in the Youth Boys’ heats with 11.50s. The men’s 100m heats produced fireworks as Wisdom Alexander clocked 10.71s, with Team MTN’s Showers Ushie close behind at 10.83s.
International flavour came from Ethiopia’s Merdekiyos Wolde Wachiso, who led the men’s 400m heats in 47.20s. Team MTN’s Ezekiel Asuquo finished second overall in 47.59s, while Obashola Olaoluwa was third in 48.01s.
In the Junior Boys’ 400m, Team MTN’s Michael Aniche delivered a personal best of 49.15s to top his heat.
The competition continues on Friday, March 6, with finals in the 100m and 400m expected to provide even more drama as athletes chase glory and qualification standards.
