The ongoing 13th edition African Games may be won and lost following Egypt’s unassailable gold medals which have made the North Africans clear favourites to retain their title, the race for who will finish in second position is still on between Nigeria and South Africa.
Interestingly, Team Nigeria on Tuesday, March 19, increased their medals to 85 after scooping four additional gold medals, one silver and two bronze medals to keep South Africa in third position.
Nigeria is second with 31 gold, 22 silver and 32 bronze medals.
Therefore, three gold medals are separating Nigeria from South Africa who have amassed 28 gold, 29 silver and 38 bronze for a total of 94 medals.
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Algeria are in fourth position with 22 gold, 31 silver and 41 bronze while Tunisia are fifth with 14 gold, 21 silver and 29 bronze medals.
At the time of press yesterday, Team Nigeria had won four gold medals in men’s shot put, women’s triple jump, taekwondo and mixed 4x400m relay.
Africa’s record holder, Enekwechi Chukwuebuka, won gold in men’s shot put, Ruth Usoro won gold in triple jump, young sensation, Elizabeth Anyanacho fighting in women’s -67kg, defeated Aya Mohmoud Mohmed Shata to win taekwondo gold while the mixed 4×400 relay team won the other gold medal.
However, it wasn’t a very good day for the duo of Itsekiri Usheoritse and Olajide Olayinka who only managed to win silver and bronze respectively in men and women’s 100m.
While Usheoritse finished his race in 10.23s to place second behind Cameroon’s Eseme Emmanuel Alobwede, Olayinka finished 11.55 to come third behind Mccoy Maia Alyse of Liberia.
Nigeria’s other bronze medal was won by Olatoye Oyesade in women’s hammer throw.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Falconets are set to retain their gold medal in the women’s football event as they lock horns with hosts Ghana in tomorrow’s final.
The defending champions had edged out Uganda ladies to set up the gold medal match.
