By Flinster Austin
Published on 2024-03-22 04:41:20
Ese Brume, the world silver medalist in the long jump, showcased her talent and lived up to her reputation as Africa’s best jumper by clinching the gold medal at the 13th African Games in Ghana. Brume made an impressive leap of 6.92m in her first jump to secure the top spot on the podium.
Leading up to the long jump event, there was much anticipation surrounding U.S.-based Nigerian athlete Ruth Usoro, who had been performing exceptionally well throughout the season. Brume and Usoro had faced off 16 times in the long jump pit, with Brume emerging victorious in all their encounters, including the final of the World Indoor Championships in 2022, the Commonwealth Games in 2022, the World Outdoor Championships in 2023, and most recently at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in New York.
Despite the high expectations for Usoro, it was Brume who ultimately reigned supreme, while Usoro failed to secure a spot on the podium. Brume’s victory marked her as the first Nigerian woman since 1978 to successfully defend a long jump title, following in the footsteps of Modupe Oshikoya, who achieved this feat in 1973 and 1978. Additionally, Justina Uchologor, another Nigerian jumper, claimed the bronze medal in the event.
In another event at the Games, Olayinka Olajide earned her place in the 200m final and will compete against The Gambia’s Gina Bass for the gold medal. Olajide won her semi-final heat with a time of 23.51 and will be looking to upset the defending champion, Bass, who posted a time of 23.42 in the first semi-final. Despite Olajide’s strong performance, Congo’s Ngoye Akamabi recorded the fastest qualifying time of 23.25, making her a top contender for the gold medal.
Olajide aims to become the fifth Nigerian woman to win the 200m event, following in the footsteps of Damola Osayomi, who successfully defended her title in 2011 after winning it in 2007. In the men’s competition, Consider Ekanem will be competing in his second individual final at the Games and will be looking to secure a podium finish after missing out in the 100m event. The 19-year-old finished second in his semi-final with a time of 20.92, behind IB Claude Emmanuel who won in 20.82. Another Nigerian sprinter, Alaba Akintola, also advanced to the final by winning the third semi-final in 21.00 seconds.
