Nwankwo, Tejiri Godwin reach World U-20 100m semifinals, endure mixed relay slip at Oregon
By Uzor Odigbo
Team Nigeria recorded mixed fortunes on the opening day of the 2026 World Athletics U-20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, with Chigozie Rosemary Nwankwo and Tejiri Godwin advancing to the semifinals of their respective 100 metres events, while the mixed 4×400 metres relay team and two other sprinters fell short of qualification.
Nigeria’s mixed relay quartet of Dominion Udoh, Jecinta Lawrence, Perfect Faye and Faith Ezechukwu opened the championships with a time of 3:26.35 to finish sixth in their qualifying heat.
With only the top three teams from each heat advancing to the final, the Nigerians bowed out of the event after the first round.
The day’s brightest moment came in the women’s 100 metres, where Chigozie Rosemary Nwankwo secured a place in the semifinals after finishing third in Heat Three in 11.57 seconds. Mia Maxwell won the race in 11.33 seconds.
Lucy Nwankwo, competing in Heat Five, placed fifth in 11.77 seconds and missed out on qualification. Xenia Buri won the heat in 11.38 seconds, while Maja Gondek finished second in 11.59 seconds.
In the men’s 100 metres, Tejiri Godwin produced an impressive performance to qualify for the semifinals after finishing second in his heat in 10.39 seconds. He was edged by Great Britain’s Jake Odey-Jordan, who won the race in 10.38 seconds.
Fellow Nigerian sprinter Gift Bright, competing in Heat Seven, finished fifth in 10.60 seconds and did not advance to the next round.
Japan’s Kai Sugano won the heat in 10.44 seconds, while Mukona Manavhela was awarded second place after posting the same time.
With two athletes safely through to the 100 metres semifinals, Team Nigeria will be hoping to build on the encouraging performances as the championships continue in Eugene.
