Itsekiri's blistering 200m PB and Enekwechi's impressive outing highlights performances

Usheoritse Itsekiri and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi

WEEKEND WRAP Itsekiri's blistering 200m PB and Enekwechi's impressive outing highlights performances

Funmilayo Fameso 22:24 - 26.06.2023

Usheoritse Itsekiri and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi topped Nigerian athletes performers list last weekend.

Usheoritse Itsekiri's fantastic form this season continued in Canada as he blazed to a new 200m Personal Best (PB), while Chukwuebuka Enekwechi had an impressive outing in New York.

Itsekiri clocked a blistering 20.34s (0.9) to win the event at the Johnny Loaring Classic in Ontario, massively lowering his previous PB of 20.53s set in 2019.

Usheoritse Itsekiri

He had earlier won the men's 100m final with a time of 20.03s (2.3) after running 10.16s in the heats, finishing ahead of Bismark Boateng in 10.13s and Malachi Murray in 10.17s.

The Tokyo Olympian and African Games bronze medallist has proven since the start of the 2023 season that he's on a mission this year and is a top contender for the 100m title at the Nigerian trials.

He is also now back in the conversation as one of Nigeria's top sprinters, which is only a matter of time before he hits the world championships qualifying standard of 10.00s, with his current Season's Best (SB) at 10.02s.

Enekwechi and Anumba impressive in field events at NYC Grand

Consequently, Enekwechi produced an impressive performance at the New York City Grand Prix, throwing his Shot Put to a distance of 21.34m for a second-place finish behind Payton Otterdahl with 21.50m.

It was the Nigerian record holder's second top 3 finish on the World Continental Gold Tour and second-best mark this season.

Chukwuebuka Enekwechi qualifies for World Championships in Budapest
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi

Meanwhile, Ashley Anumba proved her college form was no fluke, taking it to the elite level by getting a third-place finish at the same meet.

Anumba, who has had a series of PBs this year, launched her Discus to a distance of 59.81m for the top three finish.

Ashley Anumba impressive at New York City Grand Prix
Ashley Anumba

African Record holder Chioma Onyekwere couldn’t find her usual connection and finished sixth, throwing 54.04m.

Nigerian athletics fans will be looking forward to a tough battle from both women at the upcoming Nigerian trials in Benin

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