By Daily Review Online
Team Nigeria endured a mixed opening day at the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, with a handful of athletes advancing to the semi-finals while others exited the competition early.
The championships, which run from August 5 to 9, feature a strong Nigerian contingent competing across several track and field events. Among the country’s leading medal hopes is Jessica Oji, who arrived in Oregon after winning silver at the 2026 Commonwealth Games and is regarded as one of the favourites for the women’s shot put title.
Nigeria’s campaign began in the mixed 4×400 metres relay, where David Udoh, Faith Ezechukwu, Perfect Faye and Jecinta Lawrence finished sixth in their heat with a time of 3:26.35, missing out on qualification for the next round.
In the women’s 100 metres, Rosemary Nwankwo became the first Nigerian athlete to advance beyond the opening round after finishing third in her heat in 11.57 seconds. She improved to 11.54 seconds in the semi-finals but placed fifth, falling short of a place in the final.
Lucy Nwankwo was eliminated in the heats after finishing fifth in her race in 11.77 seconds.
The men’s 100 metres also produced a Nigerian semi-finalist as Tejiri Godwin qualified with a second-place finish in his heat in 10.39 seconds. He ran a faster 10.34 seconds in the semi-finals but finished sixth, ending his medal hopes. Fellow Nigerian Gift Bright was unable to progress after placing fifth in his heat in 10.60 seconds.
Several Nigerian athletes are still scheduled to begin their campaigns, including Jessica Oji in the women’s shot put and discus throw, Success Oyibu and Tejiri Praise Ugoh in the women’s 200 metres, Becky Ebiyadi, Faith Ezechukwu and Jecinta Lawrence in the women’s 400 metres, and Chika Bakwunye in the women’s 100 metres hurdles.
On the men’s side, Perfect Faye and Gift Bright will compete in the 200 metres, David Udoh will feature in the 400 metres, while Precious Opinion will contest the triple jump.
Nigeria will also compete in the men’s and women’s 4×100 metres relays as well as the women’s 4×400 metres relay as the championships continue in Oregon.