KEY POINTS
- Tobi Amusan claimed her fifth national 100m hurdles title.
- Her win sets the pace for the World Championships.
- Focus shifts to Tokyo as Amusan eyes global glory.
World record holder Tobi Amusan showed her class once again at the 2025 Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s National Trials, cruising to victory in the women’s 100m hurdles at Lagos’ Yabatech Sports Complex.
Amusan, 28, blazed off the blocks and never looked back, clocking 12.57 seconds to take her fifth national title, confirming her readiness for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September.
Rising star Adaobi Tabugbo put in a strong challenge but settled for second with a time of 13.03 seconds. Faith Osamuyi came third in 13.36 seconds.
Amusan dominates as Tabugbo finishes second
Amusan’s win reaffirmed her dominance in the hurdles event, even as other stars fought for recognition in front of an energetic Lagos crowd. She has maintained a firm grip on the national scene and looks sharp heading into global competition.
In the men’s 400m, Gafar Badmus captured his first national title in 45.71 seconds, narrowly ahead of Ezekiel Asuquo (46.29s) and David Akhalu (46.91s).
However, drama unfolded in the women’s 400m final as veteran Patience Okon-George was disqualified. In her absence, Favour Onyah, the African U-20 champion, seized the moment and won in 52.69 seconds. Opeyemi Deborah Oke and Anita Enaruna followed in second and third, respectively.
Chioma Nweke, Onyah shine in major upsets
The sprint events delivered another twist as Chioma Nweke, also an African U-20 champion, dethroned Olayinka Olajide in the women’s 100m dash. Nweke clocked 11.27 seconds, beating Olajide (11.39s) and Iyanuoluwa Bada (11.45s) to claim her first senior national crown.
Furthermore speaking after her win, Nweke said, “I feel very amazing. It feels good to become a national champion.” She added, “I have to go back and try to qualify for the Commonwealth Games next year.”
