By Victor Kanayo
After missing her 100m hurdles event due to illness at the ongoing 2024 African Senior Athletics Championships in Douala, the economic capital of Cameroon, World Record Holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan, anchored Nigeria’s women’s 4x100m relay to win gold.
The victory increased Nigeria’s gold medal to four at the Championships.
Justina Eyakpobeya started a great form and handed over to Tima Godbless on time. Godbless did not disappoint, as she overpowered her challengers to hand the baton to home girl Olayinka Olajide. She ran the last bend to hand over to Tobi Amusan, who anchored at 42.72 seconds.
Liberia and Ghana complete the podium in the women’s 100m decided at the Stade de Japoma, Douala, Cameroon.
Amusan had arrived in Douala last Thursday alongside other members of the Nigerian contingent with no sign of illness. But she fell ill later that day, and Sports Ministry’s medical personnel attached to the AFN team to Douala advised her to take a rest.
In the men’s 4x100m relay final, Nigeria finished second in a time of 38.84 seconds behind Ghana that clocked 38.63 seconds. Cote D’Ivoire came third.
Kanyinsola Ajayi gave Ushoritse Itshekiri, who handed the baton to Alaba Adegoke.
Godson Brume ran the last leg.
So far, Team Nigeria has won 4 gold, 5 silver and 4 bronze medals.
