Asaba 2018: Team Nigeria finish third behind Kenya, South Africa

In spite of late gold medal rush by Team Nigerian athletes on the last day of competition, Kenya proved her dominance in athletics once again as the East Africans edged out defending champion, South Africa and host Nigeria to win the 21st African Senior Athletics Championships rounded up last night at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.

Team Kenya and South Africa with the array of star athletes in their folds defied the thunderous support from the friendly crowd for the host nation to emerge the winner and runner-up.

The East African nation topped the medals table with 11 gold, 6 silver and 2 bronze medals while defending champions, South Africa secured 9 gold, 13 silver and 8 bronze. Host Nigeria places third with 9 gold, 5 silver and 5 bronze.

For the first time in the history of the African championships, athletes from Nigeria and other African countries will not just go home with their medals, but with monetary reward.

The Local Organizing Committee of the 2018 African Senior Athletics Championship on Sunday revealed prize money for athletes who won medals in Asaba.

Speaking in Asaba, LOC Chairman, Solomon Ogba, announced that athletes who won a gold medal will get a cash prize of $3000 each.

Ogba added that silver medalists will be rewarded with ($2000), while bronze medalists will smile home with ($1000).

Over 120 medals were won at the 2018 African Senior Athletics Championship, tagged Asaba 2018.

The next edition of the championship will be taking place in Algeria in 2020.