MTN CHAMPS: Miracle Ezechukwu Hits World U-20 Qualifying Standard

Miracle Ezechukwu delivered an impressive performance at MTN CHAMPS Season 4, recording the fastest time in the Junior Girls’ 100m and achieving the qualifying mark for the World U-20 Championships.

Ezechukwu clocked 11.67 seconds despite running into a -1.3m/s headwind, setting the pace in the category during the ongoing athletics competition at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar.

According to MTN CHAMPS Media Officer Babatunde Koiki, the time automatically qualifies the young sprinter for the World U-20 Championships scheduled for August in the United States.

Koiki noted that the event has continued to produce exciting performances as athletes compete across the Cadet, Youth, Junior, and Senior categories. The races followed a colourful opening ceremony attended by several dignitaries, including Cross River Deputy Governor Peter Odey, Sports Commissioner Agnes Atsu, MTN Chief Marketing Officer Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, NSSF Vice-President Emmanuel Ebong, and AFN Technical Director Gabriel Okon.

In the same race, Rosemary Chigozie finished second with 11.89 seconds, while Lucy Nwankwo of Team MTN placed third in 12.22 seconds.

In the Junior Boys’ 100m, Godwin Oghenerunor led the field with a time of 10.75 seconds, ahead of Liberty Okon who recorded 10.97 seconds, while Alvin Onyeama of Team MTN also impressed.

The Youth Girls’ 100m saw Miracle Festus Okon lead the qualifiers with 12.26 seconds, followed by Glory Bassey in 12.41 seconds, and Rebecca Enilolobo representing Team MTN.

In the men’s 100m heats, Wisdom Alexander posted the fastest time of 10.71 seconds, with Showers Ushie and Nkereuwem Ibok also producing strong performances.

Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s Merdekiyos Wolde Wachiso topped the men’s 400m heats with 47.20 seconds, while Team MTN’s Ezekiel Asuquo finished second overall in 47.59 seconds.

Koiki added that the championship will continue with finals in the 100m and 400m events, alongside other track competitions.