Mitchell Egeonu, a 400 level Geology student at the Federal University of Technology (FUTA), Akure on Monday won the gold medal in high jump at the ongoing Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA), holding in Lagos.
Egeonu broke the 1.9 meters NUGA record in high jump by jumping 2.00meters.
“I would have jumped 2.05meters but had an injury on my leg,” an excited Egeonu told the News Agency of Nigeria.
“I am feeling really excited and happy winning the gold medal.
“This is not my first appearance. I have jumped in AFN but did not win. But this is my first time in NUGA.
“This is just the beginning of many more to come for me,” he said.
Also, Justin Jimoh Justin of Ben Idahosa University (BIU), who won the silver medal, said he was satisfied with his position.
Jimoh said it was his first appearance in the NUGA games and would boost his carrier.
He noted that aside the high jump sport, he also plays basketball.
Honourable Clement, a 400 Level student of Library and Information Science of BIU, won the bronze medal.
Clement said he would strive to improve in his training.
He noted that the experience was a great one which would help him work on his weakness.
Meanwhile, Joshua Micheal, Sports Director at FUTA, said after his athlete won gold in long jump, said that the victory was as a result of hard work and consistent training.
He noted that the coach had been persistent in training the athletes.
He added that he had no doubt that the athletes would do better in future competitions.
“My boys just came first in the long jump after jumping 1.95 meters.
“I am super happy that the gold medal is ours, because one gold is better than a thousand sliver.
“I feel great because the hard work of the coach yielded good fruits,” he said.