Nineteen-year-old sprinter Chinyere Eze switches from South Africa to Nigeria, strengthening the nation’s women’s 400m squad for the 2026 U-20 Worlds

Nineteen-year-old sprinter Chinyere Eze has officially switched her sporting allegiance from South Africa to Nigeria ahead of the 2026 World U-20 Championships, significantly boosting the country’s prospects in the women’s 400 meters, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

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According to her World Athletics profile, Eze became eligible to represent Nigeria in national competitions from December 2025, having previously competed for South Africa.

Per Athletics Heat, the young quarter-miler has already impressed, clocking 54.74 seconds at the CAA Championships in South Africa, underlining her growing potential on the international stage.

Her switch now makes her eligible for selection to Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 World Athletics U-20 Championships, scheduled 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 attract the best young talents in global athletics.

Eze’s decision represents a key addition to Nigeria’s youth athletics programme as the country seeks to return to the podium after recent disappointments.

Nigeria has won 37 medals at previous editions of the championships, including 14 gold, 13 silver, and 10 bronze medals.

The last medal haul came at the 2021 edition in Nairobi, where athletes such as Udodi Onwuzurikeinter”, Imaobong Uko”, Favour Ofilisprinter”, and Ella Onojuvwevwo led the team to success.

However, Nigeria missed the podium at both the 2022 event in Cali and the 2024 edition in Lima, heightening the importance of emerging talents like Eze.

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With her eligibility confirmed and form on the rise, Eze is expected to be one of the athletes to watch as Nigeria aims to reclaim medal-winning status at the championships.