World U-20 Athletics C’ships Day 3: Oyibu, Ezechukwu Reach Final as Precious Opinion Misses Medal
Nigeria’s medal hopes received a boost on Day 3 as Success Oyibu reached the women’s 200m final in Eugene, Oregon.
Oyibu produced a composed performance in her semifinal, winning in 23.13 seconds to book her place in the medal decider at the 2026 World U-20 Athletics Championships.
The Nigerian finished ahead of South Africa’s Rume Burger, who clocked 23.18 seconds, as she maintained her impressive run in the competition.
Oyibu had earlier announced her presence in the event by winning her opening-round heat in 23.04 seconds.
She will now carry Nigeria’s hopes in the women’s 200m final as the country seeks to add to its medal haul in Eugene.
However, Miracle Ezechukwu suffered a heartbreaking exit despite producing one of the fastest performances of her young career.
Ezechukwu clocked a brilliant personal best of 22.61 seconds in her semifinal, a time that would have placed her firmly in contention for a place in the final.
Officials, however, disqualified the Nigerian for a lane infringement, ending her campaign in disappointing circumstances.
Earlier, Ezechukwu had comfortably won her opening-round heat in 23.34 seconds, raising hopes that she could challenge for a medal.
In the men’s 200m, Perfect Faye failed to advance after finishing sixth in his heat in 21.29 seconds.
Faye could not reproduce the performance required to secure a semifinal berth and subsequently bowed out of the championship.
Meanwhile, Precious Opinion missed out on a podium finish in the men’s triple jump final.
Opinion, who had qualified for the final with a personal-best performance, finished seventh after recording a best effort of 15.82 metres.
Chika Bakwunye also endured disappointment in the women’s 100m hurdles after failing to finish her heat.
Bakwunye tripped during the race and was unable to complete the event, resulting in a DNF.
Despite the setbacks, Nigeria’s campaign received another boost through Oyibu’s qualification for the 200m final.
Her progression comes on the heels of Jessica Oji’s historic women’s shot put gold, which delivered Nigeria’s first World U-20 field-event world title.
With Oyibu now through to the final, Team Nigeria will hope she can convert her impressive form into another medal as the championships continue in Eugene.
