Nigeria’s Charles Edward Godfred ended his appearance at the World Athletics Championships in disappointment after failing to progress from the men’s long jump qualification in Tokyo on Monday.
The 21-year-old, who came into the competition as the reigning Nigerian champion and a former African U-20 gold medallist, managed a best effort of 7.79m in Qualification Group A.
That distance placed him 13th in the pool and outside the cut for the final, which admitted only the top 12 athletes overall across both groups.
The automatic qualifying standard was set at 8.15m, a mark Godfred had hoped to approach, having entered the championships with a season’s best of 8.10m.
However, after fouling his opening attempt, he registered 7.68m on his second before stretching to 7.79m with his third and final leap, which still proved short of the qualifying mark.
In Group B, Jamaica’s Tajay Gayle topped the field with 8.28m, with Cuba’s Lester Lescay producing a season’s best of 8.21m to book his place in the final.
Seven jumpers in total cleared 8.10m in what was a highly competitive round. Godfred’s elimination adds to Nigeria’s growing list of casualties at the championships.
Ese Brume and Prestina Ochonogor both finished the women’s long jump without securing medals, while in the sprints, Kayinsola Ajayi made it to the men’s 100m final but placed sixth. Rosemary Chukwuma also did not progress beyond the 100m semifinals.
Nigeria’s sole achievement in Tokyo thus far has been through world record holder Tobi Amusan, who earned a silver medal in the women’s 100m hurdles, contributing a 12th medal to the nation’s overall count at the World Championships.
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Following Godfred’s departure, Nigeria’s prospects for additional success now hinge on two athletes who remain in the competition. Nathaniel Ezekiel advanced to the semi-finals of the men’s 400m hurdles after a strong finish in his initial round, while Udodi Onwuzurike is set to start his journey in the men’s 200m heats on Wednesday.
Godfred’s early exit signifies a valuable learning experience at the senior global level. The University of Minnesota student-athlete, who holds the institution’s long jump record with a personal best of 8.14m, will now shift his attention to upcoming competitions as he aims to make his mark among the elite.
Ese Brume and Prestina Ochonogor both finished the women’s long jump without securing medals, while in the sprints, Kayinsola Ajayi made it to the men’s 100m final but placed sixth. Rosemary Chukwuma also did not progress beyond the 100m semifinals.
Nigeria’s sole achievement in Tokyo thus far has been through world record holder Tobi Amusan, who earned a silver medal in the women’s 100m hurdles, contributing a 12th medal to the nation’s overall count at the World Championships.
Following Godfred’s departure, Nigeria’s prospects for additional success now hinge on two athletes who remain in the competition. Nathaniel Ezekiel advanced to the semi-finals of the men’s 400m hurdles after a strong finish in his initial round, while Udodi Onwuzurike is set to start his journey in the men’s 200m heats on Wednesday.
Godfred’s early exit signifies a valuable learning experience at the senior global level.
