The Nigerian Athletics Federation has announced its 18-member team for the upcoming World U20 Championships, scheduled to take place in Lima, Peru, from August 27-31. Comprising eight male and ten female athletes, the team will compete in a range of track and field events, including sprints, hurdles, relays, long jump, and high jump. Among the standout athletes representing Nigeria are Ella Onojuvwevwo, a 400m semifinalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and Prestina Ochonogor, a long jump finalist at the same event.
The Nigerian squad is a formidable lineup of young, talented athletes, all poised to make a significant impact at the championships. The team includes some of the country’s brightest prospects, such as Commonwealth Youth Games silver medalist Justiana Eyakpobeyan and sprinting sensation Israel Okon Sunday. Alongside these notable names, Nigeria will field athletes across a wide array of disciplines, showcasing the depth and versatility of the team.
Below is a complete list of Nigerian athletes competing in the World U20 Championships in Lima:
Women:- Obi Jennifer Chukwuka – 4x100m Relay
- Justina Tiana Eyakpobeyan – 100m, 4x100m Relay
- Taiwo Mary Kudoro – 400m Hurdles, 4x400m Relay
- Chioma Nwachukwu– 400m, 4x400m Relay
- Chioma Cynthia Nweke– 100m, 4x100m Relay
- Precious Nzeakor– 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay
- Prestina Oluchi Ochonogor– Long Jump, 4x100m Relay
- Ella Onojuvwevwo– 200m, 400m, 4x400m Relay
- Favour Onyah– 400m, 4x400m Relay
- Adisa Rhoda– 800 Men:
- Gafari Badmus– 400m
- Chidera Ezeakor – 100m, 4x100m Relay
- Goodluck Ezechukwu Fiaku – High Jump
- Tejiri Godwin – 4x100m Relay
- Caleb John– 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay
- Caleb Joshua– 200m, 400m
- Oseiwe Salami– 400m Hurdles
- Okon Israel Sunday – 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay
- Joachim Uyovwiyoma– 4x100m Relay
Nigeria’s delegation to the last World Junior Championship faced challenges, failing to make a significant statement. However, with this year’s strong team dynamic and renewed focus on teamwork, the country is set to make a powerful showing at the 2024 World U20 Championships.
As the team prepares for their journey to Lima, expectations are high for a successful outing. With a determined focus on excellence and a team filled with both experienced and emerging talent, Nigeria is ready to take on the world’s best young athletes and achieve notable results at the championships.