Praise Ikweki has clinched Nigeria's first bronze medal in the High Jump event at the ongoing 2025 African U-18/U20 Athletics Championship. The competition is currently taking place at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Ikweki, who competed alongside fellow Nigerian Melvin Ododo, demonstrated impressive skill throughout the competition on Wednesday. He began at a height of 1.80m and maintained a perfect record until facing a challenge at 2.03m, which he successfully cleared on his third attempt.

Despite his strong performance, Ikweki was unable to clear 2.06m after three attempts, allowing South Africa's Mateo Le Roux to secure the gold medal in the event.

Nigerian Sprinters Dominate 100m Heats

In the U-18 100m heats, Nigerian athletes showed remarkable prowess. Igbigbidje James Clifford clocked 11.44 seconds in Heat One, qualifying for the semi-finals behind South Africa's Mukona Manavhela who finished in 11.38 seconds.

Adeola Adeniji Muideen dominated Heat Two with an impressive time of 11.08 seconds, while Algeria's Bouhdila Yasser secured the second position with 11.14 seconds, both advancing to the semi-finals.

In Heat Three, Egbon Destiny Chinedu qualified with a time of 10.85 seconds, following Jayen Foure who sprinted to victory in 10.65 seconds.

Female Athletes Shine in 100m Competition

Nigeria's female athletes also delivered outstanding performances in their respective heats. Mariam Jegede won the first heat of the U-18 Girls' 100m with a time of 12.13 seconds, outpacing Congo's Boukama Gladys (12.47 seconds) and Ghana's Darkoah Kwateng (12.64 seconds).

Miracle Ezechukwu dominated Heat Two of the U-18 Girls' 100m, clocking 11.79 seconds. She defeated South Africa's Oluchi Ndubueze (11.93 seconds) and Côte d'Ivoire's Andre Marie Joseph (12.26 seconds).

Chigozie Rosemary Nwankwo emerged victorious in Heat Three of the U-18 Girls' 100m, further cementing Nigeria's strong presence in the sprint events.

In the U-20 women's category, Lucy Nwankwo recorded a new personal best of 11.80 seconds to win her heat, while Success Oyibu claimed victory in Heat One with a time of 11.87 seconds.

The championship continues with more events scheduled in the coming days, offering additional opportunities for Nigerian athletes to secure medals in various disciplines.

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