Ochonogor, Eyakpobeyan Reach World Athletics U20 Finals

Prestina Ochonogor gave Team Nigeria a strong start at the 2024 World Athletics Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, by qualifying for the women’s long jump final. On Tuesday, she recorded an impressive jump of 6.28 meters, securing second place in Qualification Group A out of 13 competitors and second overall among 25 jumpers.

Ochonogor, 18, who holds a personal best of 6.79m, will compete in the final on Wednesday evening, with hopes of securing a medal for Nigeria.

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In other events, Team Nigeria failed to advance in the 4x400m mixed relay despite a season-best time of 3:25.59. The quartet of Oseiwe Salami, Odot Udo, Gafari Badmus, and Favour Onyah placed third in their heat but missed out on a fastest losers’ spot.

Meanwhile, Justina Eyakpobeyan qualified for the women’s 100m final after clocking 11.56 seconds in the semi-finals. This was an improvement on her earlier time of 11.61 seconds, which had secured her third place in the opening round.

Teammate Chioma Nweke exited the competition after finishing sixth in her heat with a time of 12.24 seconds, while Chidera Ezeakor also crashed out in the men’s 100m, finishing seventh in his heat with 10.92 seconds.

The championships continue on Wednesday and will conclude on Saturday.