Tobi Amusan reaffirmed her elite status in Nigerian athletics with a commanding performance in the women’s 100m hurdles at the 2025 Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) National Trials held at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos.
The world record holder once again asserted her dominance on the track by storming to her fifth national title in the event, clocking a time of 12.57 seconds.
The 28-year-old, known for her explosive starts, launched off the blocks with precision and maintained a comfortable lead to secure her victory. Trailing her was emerging athlete Adaobi Tabugbo, who finished second with a time of 13.03 seconds. Faith Osamuyi claimed third place after completing the race in 13.36 seconds.
Amusan’s triumph not only extended her impressive run at home but also strengthened her readiness ahead of the World Athletics Championships scheduled to be held in Tokyo, Japan, later in September. Her consistency on the national stage continues to reflect her status as a world-class competitor.
In the men’s 400m final, Gafar Badmus emerged as the champion with a winning time of 45.71 seconds. He held off a strong challenge from Ezekiel Asuquo, who secured second place in 46.29 seconds, while David Akhalu crossed the line in 46.91 seconds to finish third.
The women’s 400m event took an unexpected turn when seasoned athlete Patience Okon-George was disqualified in the final round, paving the way for new faces to shine. In a surprise result, African U-20 champion Favour Onyah captured the title with a time of 52.69 seconds. She was followed by Opeyemi Deborah Oke and Anita Enaruna in second and third places, respectively.
In the women’s 100m sprint, another U-20 champion, Chioma Nweke, made headlines by claiming her first national title. Nweke, who had previously made waves in junior competitions, dethroned the defending champion Olayinka Olajide with a winning time of 11.27 seconds. Olajide finished behind in 11.39 seconds, while Iyanuoluwa Bada rounded off the podium with a time of 11.45 seconds.
Speaking after her victory, Nweke shared her joy, saying, “I feel very amazing. It feels good to become a national champion.” She also mentioned her next goal, noting, “I have to go back and try to qualify for the Commonwealth Games next year.”
The AFN National Trials not only highlighted Amusan’s continued reign but also served as a platform for emerging talents like Nweke and Onyah to establish themselves on the senior stage, indicating a promising future for Nigerian athletics.
What You Should Know
Tobi Amusan’s consistent dominance in the 100m hurdles reinforces her place as Nigeria’s leading track athlete, while the emergence of young stars such as Chioma Nweke and Favour Onyah reflects a new generation eager to step up.
Their impressive showings at the 2025 National Trials signal a bright future for Nigeria in both continental and global competitions.
