The 20th World Athletics Championships was not the best of moments for Nigeria, but her athletes set records, and challenged for medals. Here’s a look at the standout moments:
Tobi Amusan – Women’s 100m Hurdles
World record holder Tobi Amusan once again delivered on the big stage, winning silver in the women’s 100m hurdles. She clocked 12.36s to win her semi-final and went on to secure Nigeria’s first and only medal of the tournament after finishing second in the final.
Ezekiel Nathaniel – Men’s 400m Hurdles
Nathaniel made history by becoming the first Nigerian man in 38 years to reach a 400m hurdles final at the World Championships. He stormed to victory in his semi-final, clocking 47.47s, before producing a career-best 47.11s in the final to set a new Nigerian national record and finish just outside the medals in 4th place.
Kanyinsola Ajayi – Men’s 100m
Ajayi set a personal best of 9.88s in his heat, then ran 9.93s to finish second in the semi-final, securing a place in the final. He went on to make history as the first Nigerian man in 18 years to reach a World Championships 100m final, where he eventually placed 6th.
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi – Men’s Shot Put
In the field events, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi finished 5th in the men’s shot put final. He opened strongly, recording a best throw of 21.52m, narrowly missing out on a medal in a highly competitive field. Enekwechi had earlier qualified for the final with a throw of 20.83m, demonstrating his consistency across both rounds.
Israel Okon – Men’s 100m
At his first-ever World Championships, Okon impressed by winning heat 6 of the men’s 100m in 10.04s to reach the semi-finals. He finished 7th in his semi-final before flying back to the United States for exams at Auburn University.
Udodi Onwuzurike – Men’s 200m
Udodi Onwuzurike reached the men’s 200m semi-finals at the World Championships for the second time. He came second in his heat, running 20.27s to qualify for the semi-final, where he later finished 7th.
Nigeria leaves Tokyo 27th on the medal table with Tobi Amusan’s silver their only podium finish. Several athletes exited in the heats and qualification rounds, including Rosemary Chukwuma (100m), Ese Brume and Prestina Ochonogor (long jump), Chioma Onyekwere and Obiageri Amechi (discus), Oyesade Olatoye (hammer throw), and Samuel Ogazi, Chidi Okezie, and Charles Godfred (400m and long jump).
The Championships offered valuable lessons and exposure for the team as Nigeria looks to build stronger performances in future global competitions.
