By Mishael Emmanuel in Abeokuta
The 3rd edition of the Confederation of Africa Athletics, (CAA), U-18/20 Athletics Championship, currently underway in the ancient city of Abeokuta, capital of Ogun State, South-West, Nigeria, has lived up to the expectations and hype in all ramifications.
Many promising athletes are showcasing their strengths, proving their worth and making record breaking achievements in their various disciplines. And one such achiever is Nigerian sprint specialist, Success Oyibu.
The 17 year old was instrumental in helping the hosts claim the two most prominent podium spots on Thursday night in the women’s U-20 100m final, firmly anchoring Nigeria’s women’s sprint dominance.
Success cruised to a time of 11.77s to win the silver, flanked closest by compatriot Chioma Cynthia Nweke who won Gold with Côte D’Ivoire’s Chantel Lou Yoman completing the podium.
Speaking shortly after the final, Success Oyibu gave the most thanks to all who worked tirelessly in organising and facilitating the competition.
“I’m happy because it’s an opportunity to get to this level, it’s an opportunity to be at the international level. So I’m happy and grateful to God, grateful to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria for organising a competition like this, to CAA and WA for recognising this tournament.”
“Again, I want to thank them very much it’s an opportunity, a great opportunity for me to have, thank you for doing this competition for us”.
Oyibu, in an earlier interview mentioned that she hoped to get a Gold medal in the women’s 100m. Narrowly missed out on the first position but she expressed delight in securing the podium finish.
“I feel very happy, I’m happy because I wasn’t expecting it, I just wanted to do my best and actually I came in second so I’m happy.”
She also stated that her outing in the final was one she was proud of, “There is always a next time for everything. Nothing went wrong, I really surprised myself it is just that I met a greater and stronger person in the final. So I was happy that I was able to pull up a performance that I’m really proud of.
Success Oyibu stressed that she will be unstoppable the next time she takes to the track.
“In greater heights than this because I know that God has been pulling me throughout the season, he gave me silver here so I’m thinking of greater heights.”
The 100m silver medalist also had more words of praise for the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, adding that the Nigeria’s Puma kit was of the highest quality.
“It’s very easy to move in, it makes you just feel like light and there is nothing on your body so it’s an immense blessing.”
Oyibu stressed that she was excited to meet other young ones who share similar aspirations and dreams.
“The energy is happening and it is good and it’s like a boost to the spirit to do well. So I like it.
“I’m looking forward to meeting them again to go down with them again cause they will definitely push you to run a personal best.”
The sprinter also expressed gratitude to her coach for his continued support in helping her get prime shape ahead of the event.
“I thank him very much he has been there with me for everything. Through prayers, through training, the motivation and inspiration. so I thank you sir for bringing me this far,” She concluded.
