From Setbacks to Stardom: How Nigerian Athletes Are Turning the Tide at the World Championships

The Resilient Rise: How Nigerian Athletes are Faring at the World Athletics Championships

The 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo have been a testament to the resilience and burgeoning talent of Nigerian athletes. After a medal-less outing at the previous championships in Budapest, the Nigerian team arrived in Tokyo with a hunger to redeem the nation’s pride on the global stage. While the competition is fierce, the performances so far have shown a mix of groundbreaking achievements, near misses, and a solid foundation for the future.

Here’s a detailed look at how Nigeria’s athletes are faring at the World Athletics Championships:

The Star Performer: Tobi Amusan

Unquestionably, the spotlight has been on Nigeria’s golden girl, Tobi Amusan. The defending world champion and world record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles has once again proven her elite status. While she couldn’t replicate her historic gold medal run from 2022, she delivered a sensational performance to clinch the silver medal. Her time of 12.29 seconds was a fierce effort, only outpaced by the record-breaking performance of Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji.

Amusan’s silver medal is not just a personal triumph; it’s a significant milestone for Nigerian athletics, marking the country’s 12th medal in the history of the World Championships. Her consistency and ability to perform under pressure have solidified her position as a national icon and a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes.

Sprinting into History: Kanyinsola Ajayi

The men’s 100m event saw a historic moment for Nigeria. Young sprinter Kanyinsola Ajayi became the first Nigerian man in 18 years to reach the World Championships 100m final. This is a monumental achievement, as the last time a Nigerian made it to this prestigious final was in 2007 when Olusoji Fasuba accomplished the feat.

Ajayi’s journey to the final, which included an impressive 9.93s in the semifinals, showcases the immense potential of Nigeria’s next generation of sprinters. While he finished sixth in the final, his performance has broken a long-standing barrier and instilled confidence that Nigeria’s sprint dominance is on the path to recovery.

A Mix of Fortunes: The Men and Women of Team Nigeria

Beyond the headlines, other Nigerian athletes have shown promising performances, though with varying results:

• Chukwuebuka Enekwechi (Men’s Shot Put): The African record holder in the men’s shot put showcased his strength, finishing a respectable fifth. While he narrowly missed the podium, his consistent presence in global finals is a testament to his prowess in a highly competitive field.
• Israel Okon (Men’s 100m): Alongside Ajayi, Okon’s performance in the 100m heats and semifinals was a highlight, as he also advanced to the semifinals before being narrowly edged out.
• Ese Brume & Prestina Ochonogor (Women’s Long Jump): The women’s long jump saw a tough outing for Nigeria’s representatives. Both Ese Brume and Prestina Ochonogor, unfortunately, fell short in their qualification rounds, a setback for a country with high hopes in the field events.
• Ezekiel Nathaniel (Men’s 400m Hurdles): Heading into the championships with a world ranking, Nathaniel has been a standout performer for Nigeria, constantly breaking national records and competing with the world’s best. He is a genuine medal hopeful, and his performance is being closely watched.
• Oyesade Olatoye (Women’s Hammer Throw): Olatoye impressed in the hammer throw, demonstrating the growing depth of Nigerian athletes in various field disciplines.

The Road Ahead

The performance of the Nigerian contingent in Tokyo paints a picture of a team in transition, blending seasoned veterans with exciting, young talent. The achievements of Tobi Amusan and Kanyinsola Ajayi are particularly significant, as they provide tangible results and a much-needed morale boost. However, challenges remain, as seen in the struggles of other athletes and the underlying issues within the sport’s administration, as highlighted by public criticism from some athletes regarding gear and support.

Overall, Nigeria’s performance at the 2025 World Athletics Championships has been a mixed bag of historic wins and missed opportunities. However, the signs are encouraging. With rising stars making their mark and established champions continuing to perform at the highest level, the future of Nigerian athletics looks promising. The nation is firmly on the global athletics stage, and with continued investment and support, there’s every reason to believe that a new golden era is on the horizon.