Miracle Ezechukwu Achieves African 200m Record at MTN CHAMPS Jos Finale
The MTN CHAMPS Continental Relays concluded in spectacular fashion at the New Jos Stadium in Plateau State, wrapping up a three-day athletics extravaganza. The final day was packed with high-energy performances, particularly in the 200m sprints and relay finals, which provided a fitting climax to the event.
Historic Sprint Double by Ezechukwu
Following her victory in the 100m with a time of 11.26s, Miracle Ezechukwu of N-Youth Sports returned to the track with determination. She successfully defended her title in the Junior women's 200m, clocking a massive Personal Best of 22.91s. This achievement not only secured her a sprint double but also established her as the fastest African woman outdoors in the 200m for 2026. Notably, she became the first Nigerian to break the 23-second barrier on home soil since 2021.
Her teammate, Rosemary Nwankwo, bounced back from a disappointing 100m performance to finish second with a lifetime best of 23.17s. Team MTN's Lucy Nwankwo also impressed, breaking the 24-second mark for the first time in her career with a time of 23.76s to secure third place.
Exciting Races Across Categories
In the Junior men's 200m, Michael Aniche of Team MTN demonstrated his quarter-mile strength, winning with a Personal Best of 21.84s. He was followed by teammate Emmanuel Akolo, while Mahamat Sani placed third in 22.19s.
Toheebat Jimoh continued her impressive form, claiming her second title and third medal of the meet by winning the women's 200m in a Personal Best of 24.35s. She narrowly edged out teammate Miracle Uwem Donald, who clocked 24.36s, with Esther Okon finishing third in 24.63s.
The men's 200m final saw a major upset as Enoch Dabo surged to victory in 21.69s, ahead of Team MTN's Ezekiel Asuquo (21.78s) and Showers Ushie (21.82s).
Youth and Cadet Categories Shine
Bernice Onoriode rebounded strongly from missing the 100m final to win the Youth Girls' 200m title in 24.79s, finishing ahead of Rebecca Enilolobo (24.91s) and Chizoba Onyemauwa (26.47s). She capped off her excellent performance by also winning the Youth Girls' long jump.
Team MTN's Fervent Edet completed a double, taking the Youth Boys' 200m title with a Personal Best of 22.32s, ahead of Joshua Okon and Zikirullahi Ibrahim.
In the Cadet category, Praise Babatunde won the Boys' title in 26.03s, with Kyspan Bitrus (26.92s) and Hamisu Muhammad (27.27s) following. Esther Adebayo claimed the Girls' title in 28.36s, ahead of Salama Hata (28.76s) and Chinaza Okoye (28.83s).
Thrilling Relay Finals
The relay events added an extra layer of excitement to the finale. GSS Sabon Tasha won the Cadet Girls' 4x100m title in 57.81s, ahead of Model Learning Zaria (58.35s) and St. John (58.88s).
In the Youth Girls' category, Sabon Tasha Government emerged victorious in 52.15s, with Foundation Science (54.68s) and Naraguta Grammar (55.95s) following. The Youth Boys' 4x100m saw GSS Sabon Tasha complete a sprint relay double, winning in 46.34s ahead of Foundation Science (46.96s) and Vision High (48.60s).
The Junior mixed 4x100m relay brought the competition to a close in style, with Team MTN dominating the podium. Team MTN A claimed victory in 44.64s, followed by Team MTN B (46.17s) and Team MTN C (47.12s).
