Nigeria experienced an uneven start at the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, with Chigozie Rosemary Nwankwo and Tejiri Godwin progressing to the 100m semi-finals, while the mixed 4x400m relay squad and two other Nigerian sprinters exited during the heats.
The Nigerian mixed relay quartet of Dominion Udoh, Jecinta Lawrence, Perfect Faye and Faith Ezechukwu recorded 3:26.35 to place sixth in its qualifying race. Only the top three teams secured automatic passage to the next round.
Chigozie Rosemary Nwankwo secured her place in the women’s 100m semi-finals by taking third in the third heat in 11.57 seconds. Mia Maxwell topped the race in 11.33 seconds.
Lucy Nwankwo was unable to join her compatriot in the next round after crossing fifth in Heat Five with a time of 11.77 seconds. Xenia Buri won in 11.38, while Maja Gondek claimed second in 11.59.
Godwin advanced from the men’s 100m after finishing runner-up in his heat in 10.39 seconds. Great Britain’s Jake Odey-Jordan took victory in 10.38 seconds.
Gift Bright was eliminated after placing fifth in the seventh heat in 10.60 seconds. Japan’s Kai Sugano won that race in 10.44 seconds, with Mukona Manavhela given second place after matching the same time.
As competition continues in Eugene, Chigozie Rosemary Nwankwo and Godwin remain the only Nigerian athletes to have reached the 100m semi-finals.
