Anambra State can now proudly be called the new Athletics bride. The Athletics team (female) proved that they are an emerging force in the sprints as they rivaled Delta’s dominance in the National Youth Games.
Chiamaka Lucy Nwankwo sensationally took the girls 100m with a time of 12.29 secs, she was chased down by Chigozie Rosemary Nwankwo who ran 12.33secs, both athletes had powered Anambra State to win the girls 4x100m gold.
The Nwankwos set the Stephen Keshi Stadium on fire with their sterling performance sweeping spectators off their feet.
The girls took to heart the Anambra State Sports Development Commission Chairman, Chief Patrick Estate Onyedum’s appeal to the sprint duo.
The chairman while addressing the state team at their camp on Friday challenged the girls to give him the gold and silver of the 100m and gold of the 4×100m and take home 100,000 for gold and 50,000 for silver.
The girls who appreciated the chairman’s kind words to the entire state team made him a promise and without stress kept their promises.
Anambra State finished eight on the medals table with seven gold, six silver and nine bronze medals while Delta scooped 51 gold, 34 silver and 31 bronze medals to win the 7th National Youth Games back to back.
Favour Sunday of Delta came third in the 100m event with 12.70 seconds
In the boys race Delta refused to be denied the gold and James Clifford Igbigbidje made it certain with a powerful finish at 11.30 secs. Rivers State was second as Gaius Expensive clocked 11.37 for the silver. Onyema Ugochuku of Akwa Ibom 11.43second.
However, Delta reigned supreme in the 400x400m and 4x100m mixed relays.
“We haven’t done badly in track and field. Our target was 12 gold, and we got 11 gold.
“Of course competition was keenly contested and it’s been a very exciting NYG,” said Delta chief coach Seigha Porbeni.
Source/ Chigozie Chukwuleta/Ajasa
