Eze dumps S’Africa for Nigeria ahead World U-20 champs
By Daily Sports Nigeria on March 18, 2026
Nineteen-year-old sprinter Chinyere Eze has switched her sporting allegiance from South Africa to Nigeria ahead of the 2026 World U-20 Championships, boosting the country’s prospects in the women’s 400 meters, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
According to her World Athletics profile, Eze became eligible to represent Nigeria in national competitions from December 2025, after previously competing for South Africa.
Per Athletics Heat, the young quarter-miler has already shown promising form, clocking 54.74s at the CAA Championships in South Africa, a performance that highlights her growing potential on the international stage.
Her switch makes her eligible for selection to Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 World Athletics U-20 Championships, scheduled to take place in Eugene, Oregon, United States from August 5 to 9.
The championships, formerly known as the World Junior Championships, are open to athletes born no earlier than January 1, 2007, and will bring together the best young talents in global athletics.
Eze’s decision represents a significant addition to Nigeria’s youth athletics programme as the country seeks to return to the podium after recent setbacks.
Nigeria has won a total of 37 medals at the championships, comprising 14 gold, 13 silver and 10 bronze medals.
The country’s last medal haul came at the 2021 edition in Nairobi, where athletes such as Udodi Onwuzurike, Imaobong Uko, Favour Ofili and Ella Onojuvwevwo led the team to success.
However, Nigeria failed to secure a podium finish at both the 2022 event in Cali and the 2024 edition in Lima, increasing the importance of talents like Eze as the country prepares for the next global competition.
With her eligibility now confirmed and her performances on the rise, Eze is expected to be one of the athletes to watch as Nigeria targets a return to medal-winning form at the championships.
Source Punch Ng
Posted March 18, 2026
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