Warri Relays Wrap: Nwanaga Smashes 15-Year Old Nigerian Record In Javelin

Just a few days after the conclusion of the All Nigeria Track and Field Championships in Abuja, Nigeria Athletics shift focus to the 2017 Warri Relays & CAA Grand Prix which was held on Tuesday, 18th July 2017, at the Delta State Polytechnic Stadium, Ozoro, Nigeria.

The Relays were expected to take place at the Warri Township Stadium but were moved to Ozoro because of the poor state of the former. The Grand Prix had the presence of athletes from neighboring Botswana, Niger Republic, and Liberia.

 

The stand out performer on the day was National athlete Kelechi Nwanaga, the 2015 African Gold medallist set a new Nigerian Record in Javelin with a throw of 58.15m surpassing Sorochukwu Ihuefo’s 15 years old record mark of 55.30 made at the 2002 African championship in Tunisia.

Nigeria’s hurdles sensation, Oluwatobiloba Amusan does the expected by crossing the finish line in 1st place in 12.98s in the Women’s 100mH. The University of Texas, El Paso student currently holds the NCAA national record in the event. Grace Ayemoba finished 2nd in 13.53s and Efe Favour 3rd in 13.63s. Meanwhile, Martins Ogieriakhi claimed Gold in the men’s 110mH with a time of 13.82m.

Recently crowned senior women’s 100m champion, Alphonsus Aniekeme was made to settle for 2nd with a time of 11.51s behind Isoken Igbinosun in 1st – 11.49s, in 3rd, was Ntia Obong in 11.66s. Meanwhile in men’s 100m, Former national champion, Ogho Oghene Egwero finished in 1st place in a time of 10.33s ahead of Botswana’s Kene Motukisi 2nd in 10.41s and Harry Chukwudike 3rd in 10.47s.

As the events wind down at the Ozoro Stadium, home girl, Blessing Okagbare chaperoned team Nigeria to 1st place with a time of 43.92s in the Women’s 4X100m while Egwero led the Men’s team to Gold to the delight of the home fans holding off team Botswana to 2nd.