Following a challenging performance at the Tokyo Olympics, Nigeria’s junior athletes have reinvigorated national pride with their historic achievements at the 2021 World U-20 Athletics Championships in Nairobi, Kenya. For the first time, Nigeria secured third place overall, thanks to standout performances by athletes such as Favour Ofili, Udodi Onwuzurike, and Godson Brume.
As the country still reflects on its underwhelming Paris 2024 Olympic results, a new wave of talent is set to compete at the upcoming World U-20 Athletics Championships in Lima, Peru, starting August 28, 2024. Victor Okorie, AFN Performance Director and leader of Nigeria’s delegation, expressed confidence in the team’s potential to restore the country’s athletic reputation.
In Peru, Nigeria will be represented by 15 athletes across 14 events, including the 100m, 200m, long jump, and 400m. Okorie, who was part of the Nigerian team at the Paris Olympics, believes these junior athletes are poised to make a significant impact. “I am confident that these athletes will deliver medals for Nigeria. Many of them competed at the recent Paris Games, and they are well-prepared for Peru,” he said.
Okorie, a former African Games silver medallist, previously led the Nigerian team to the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon, where Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume won gold and silver, respectively. Amusan set a world record in the 100m hurdles during the championships.
Looking ahead to Lima, Okorie predicts strong performances in the 200m, 400m, long jump, and the 4x400m relay. Despite a reduced number of athletes compared to previous championships, Okorie remains optimistic about the team’s prospects. “It’s unfortunate that we have fewer athletes this time, considering Nigeria’s historical success in youth athletics. Nonetheless, our current athletes are eager and ready to compete,” he noted.
Among the athletes to watch is Ella Onojuvwevwo, a 400m runner listed by World Athletics as a gold medal contender. At just 19, Onojuvwevwo is the second-fastest teenager in her event this year and is seeking to become the fifth Nigerian to win the women’s 400m at the World U-20 Championships.
Another notable competitor is Justina Eyakpobeya, a 200m runner who has previously represented Nigeria at the Africa Senior Athletics Championships in Douala and the Paris Olympics. Her performance in Lima will be closely watched as she continues to build on her international experience.
As the team prepares for the championships, the focus remains on leveraging the experience and talent of these young athletes to achieve exceptional results and continue Nigeria’s proud tradition in junior athletics.
