NCAA Championships predictions: 18 Nigerian athletes battle it out with the best college athletes in the US
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Nigerian college athletes will be gunning to write their names in the history books as they compete with the best US college athletes at the NCAA Championships from Wednesday, June 7 - Saturday, June 10, 2023.
The NCAA Championships is regarded as the World Championships of college track and field, where the best student-athletes in the US compete against each other, gunning to bring glory to their various schools by producing record-breaking performances.
Based on the qualification process at the NCAA West and East Preliminaries, an impressive 18 Nigerian athletes qualified for the championship, the third highest nationality behind the US and perhaps Jamaica.
Here’s a detailed compilation of the qualified athletes, their events, their schools, and predictions of the outcome of their performances.
Men’s category
100m event
A record-setting five Nigerian athletes qualify for the men’s 100m event. They are:
- Favour Ashe - Auburn University
- Godson Brume - Louisiana State University
- Udodi Onwuzurike - Stanford University
- Alaba Akintola - Middle Tennessee State University
- Karlington Anunagba - University of Northern Texas
At least two have the qualities of making the final, and one, if not both will medal.
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200m event
- Udodi Onwuzurike - Stanford University
- Alaba Akintola - Middle Tennessee State University
Both have good chances of qualifying for the final, while Onwuzurike has the best chance of medalling.
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400m event
Dubem Amene - University of Michigan
A dicey one, but he has the talent to qualify if he can run a sub-46 time.
400m Hurdles
Ezekiel Nathaniel - Baylor University
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He has a very good chance of making the final and even medalling.
Javelin throw
Nnamdi Chinecherem - Baylor University
He also has the qualities of medalling
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110m Hurdles
Bashiru Abdullahi - University of Texas San Antonio
Also very dicey, but he can spring up a major surprise by booking a final spot.
4x100m relays
Godson Brume - Louisiana State University are the favourites to win the NCAA title.
4x400m relays
- Victor Akhalu - University of New Mexico
- Ezekiel Nathaniel - Baylor University (Possible finalist and medallist)
Women’s category
100m
Rosemary Chukwuma - Texas Tech University
All things being equal, Chukwuma should qualify from her semifinal heat and make her second consecutive final.
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200m
Favour Ofili - Louisiana State University
Hopefully, her injury woes are behind her, and she’s back to her best form.
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Triple jump
Onaara Obamuwaguan - Texas Tech University
A top-eight finish will be a top priority.
Discus throw
Ashley Anumba - Virginia University
A top-eight finish will be a top priority.
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4x100m
- Imaobong Uko - Baylor University
- Adaobi Tabugbo - BYU
- Favour Ofili
- Rosemary Chukwuma
- Amarachukwu Obi - University of Alabama
4x400m
- Imaobong Uko
- Favour Ofili
- Ella Onojuvwevwo
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