Akwa Ibom Schoolgirl Jecinta Andrew Wins Gold, Silver for Nigeria at International Athletics Event
Akwa Ibom secondary school girl and highly rated athlete Jecinta Lawrence Andrew has continued her impressive rise after winning a gold medal in the girls’ medley relay and a silver medal in the 400 metres at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Region II U18/U20 Championships in Dakar, Senegal.
The SS2 student of Community Secondary Commercial School, Ibiaku Itam, in Itu Local Government Area, played a key role as Nigeria’s U18 girls’ medley relay team stormed to victory to hand Team Nigeria its first gold medal on Day Two of the competition.
The Nigerian quartet of Tejiri Ugoh Praise, Chigozie Rosemary Nwankwo, Faith Ezechukwu and Jecinta Lawrence Andrew combined brilliantly to finish first in a time of 2:24.29.
Jecinta also impressed in the girls’ 400 metres, where she won the silver medal to add another international honour to her growing collection.
The young athlete has become one of Akwa Ibom State’s brightest sporting talents after rising steadily through the ranks. She has won several medals for the state at regional and national competitions before making her mark on the international stage for Nigeria.
Her success follows an outstanding run over the past year. She won a silver medal in the girls’ 400 metres at the maiden African School Games in Algeria before claiming gold in the same event at the African Youth Games in Angola.
Jecinta was also recently part of the elite Nigerian team that secured qualification for the World Athletics Relays, a remarkable achievement for an athlete who is still in secondary school.
Nigeria finished the championships as the overall winners after topping the final medals table. Team Nigeria claimed 24 medals in total, comprising 16 gold, seven silver and one bronze, to finish ahead of Burkina Faso in second place and The Gambia in third.
Jecinta’s latest achievements further highlight the quality of young talent emerging from Akwa Ibom State and underline her growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s most promising young athletes.
