At 8th IAAF World Youth Championship in Ukraine Nigeria's quest for medals in this year's IAAF World Youth Championship began on a bright note on Wednesday, as all the athletes made it to the next round on the opening day with quarter-miler, Edidiong Odiong, racing to a standing ovation.
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Africa's fastest youth, Divine Ejovwokoghene Oduduru, in the 100m was in his best form outpacing others from other nations to win heat one. His 10.67secs effort was adjudged as one of the fastest in the sprint events yesterday.
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Oduduru is Team Nigeria's lone contender in the 100m race. He has a personal best of 10.61 he achieved during the African Youth Championship (AYAC), in March this year.
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Before Oduduru's race in the 100m, Omeiza John Akerele had opened the gate of success for Team Nigeria in the boys 400m, when he dusted all contenders to qualify to the next round.
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As the first Nigerian to taste action in Ukraine 2013 championship, Akerele wasted no time, as he placed first position in heat 2, outpacing tough challengers from Italy, Spain, Colombia, South Africa and the host country, Ukraine. He returned in a time of 48.29 seconds. Akerele has a season best of 47.35 seconds and he is being tipped for a medal in the event. The finals will take place on Friday. He said soon after his race that he would approach the semi final with all seriousness, adding, his target is to win a medal in Ukraine.
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Another Team Nigeria athlete in the boys 400m event, Samson Oghenewegba Nathaniel narrowly escaped elimination as he placed fourth in heat 6, returning 47.90 seconds.
The bright start is always an important thing to any country...So kudos to whoever wins at the end of it all.