Team Nigeria sprinters were in action on Day 1 of the 2024 African Athletics Championships in Douala, Cameroon, competing in the heats of the 100m, with majority of them progressing to the semis.
The women’s side saw African Indoor Record holder Favour Ofili win Heat 2 in an easy 11.22s, well ahead of Destiny Smith Barnett (11.43s). Rosemary Chukwuma shook off her slow start to finish 2nd with a time of 11.32s behind Marie Josee Ta Lou-Smith (11.13s) in Heat 1. African Games multiple medallist, Olayinka Olajide won Heat 8 in 11.67s.
In the men’s event, newly-crowned National Champion Kayinsola Ajayi won Heat 3 with a time of 10.21s. Usheoritse Itsekiri placed 2nd in 10.36s, narrowly edged by Tapiwanashe Makarawu (10.35s) in his heat. Unfortunately, Godson Brume finished 3rd with a time of 10.51s in Heat 2 and didn’t advance to the semis.
All five sprinters will be hoping to make the final on Day 2 of the competition.
