Kayinsola Ajayi and Olayinka Olajide were Nigeria’s representatives in the men’s and women’s 100m final respectively on Day 2 of the African Athletics Championships in Douala. This was the first appearance at the African Championships for the pair.
National Champion, Ajayi narrowly missed out on a medal in 4th position in the men’s 100m final with a time of 10.20s, having run 10.07s to finish 2nd in his semifinal heat.
Liberian Joseph Fahnbulleh’s top-end speed saw him edge home favourite Emmanuel Eseme in 10.13s to 10.15s to win his first African title. South Africa’s Benjamin Richardson scooped the Bronze with 10.17s.
African Games 100m Bronze medallist Olayinka Olajide placed 7th in 11.55s in the women’s 100m final as Gina Bass-Bittaye successfully defended her African Championships title, adding it the African Games crown she won a few months ago in Accra with a time of 11.14s.
She beat Maia McCoy on the line (11.16s), with the Liberian retaining her position from the African Games. Cote d’Ivoire’s Maboundou Kone took the Bronze in 11.24s.
Adaobi Tabugbo, Nigeria’s sole representative in the women’s 100m hurdles final finished 5th.
