Nigeria shines on opening day of CAA Region II Championship
Nigeria kicked off the CAA Region II Championships in Accra on a high, storming to multiple victories on the opening day at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.
The West African giants underlined their dominance with a flurry of gold medals across the sprints, relays, and field events, sending a strong message at the senior regional level.
In the men’s 100m final, Olaolu Olatunde claimed his first senior gold for Nigeria, edging a tight contest in 10.60s. Ghana’s Kevin Arthur was close behind in 10.63s, while Ivory Coast’s Abdul Razak Kone settled for bronze in 10.71s.
The women’s 100m also delivered more joy for Team Nigeria. National Sports Festival champion and African U-20 winner, Chioma Nweke, stormed to her maiden senior title in 11.62s. Compatriot Olayinka Olajide followed in 11.72s to secure silver, with Gambia’s Isatou Sey taking bronze in 12.00s.
In the 400m, Nigeria’s strength was even more evident. Gafari Badmus lowered his personal best to 45.53s to take gold, while teammate Ezekiel Asuquo impressed on his senior debut with 46.38s for silver. Ghana’s Mordecai Acheampong completed the podium in 46.63s.
There was further success in the hurdles. On his international debut, Nnamdi Onwaeze ran 14.33s to claim silver in the men’s 110m hurdles, just behind Serge Monsegla’s 13.99s. Nigeria still managed a double podium finish, with Wisdom Musa clinching bronze in 14.57s.
One of the highlights of the day came in the women’s high jump, where 15-year-old Omosivwe Treasure cleared 1.75m to equal her personal best and win gold. Already a national champion and the youngest member of Team Nigeria in Accra, the teenager once again showed why she is considered one of the country’s brightest talents.
The relays sealed an emphatic opening for Nigeria. In the men’s 4x100m, the team edged hosts Ghana by the narrowest of margins, winning in 39.74s against Ghana’s 39.75s. Burkina Faso took bronze in 40.95s.
In the women’s race, Nigeria cruised to victory in 44.92s, finishing well clear of Burkina Faso (46.56s) and Ghana (47.12s).
