Nigeria’s athletes delivered moments of brilliance at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, showing grit, talent and a promise of greater days ahead. From record-breaking runs to historic milestones, the green-and-white flag flew proudly across the tracks and fields.
Here are the standout performances that defined Nigeria’s campaign:
Tobi Amusan
World record holder Tobi Amusan once again showed her class in the women’s 100m hurdles. After dominating her semi-final with the fastest time of 12.36s, she stormed back from a slow start in the final to snatch silver in 12.29s. Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji took gold in a national record of 12.24s, while the USA’s Grace Stark settled for bronze. Amusan’s medal is Nigeria’s first at the championships since her record-breaking feat in 2022.
Kayinsola Ajayi
On his World Championships debut, Kayinsola Ajayi carved his name into the history books. The 21-year-old, who clocked 9.93s in the semi-final behind Noah Lyles, became the first Nigerian man since Olusoji Fasuba in 2007 to reach the 100m final. Though he finished sixth in 10.00s, his performance ended an 18-year drought for Nigeria in the event – a milestone achieved fittingly on his 21st birthday.
Nathaniel Ezekiel
In the men’s 400m hurdles, Nathaniel Ezekiel stunned the athletics world with a composed run that earned him bronze in 47.11s – a new Nigerian record. Initially fourth behind American Rai Benjamin, Ezekiel was upgraded after Benjamin’s disqualification for impeding another runner. At just 21, Ezekiel became Nigeria’s first-ever medalist in the event, ending a 38-year wait since Henry Amike last made the final in 1987.
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi
Nigeria’s field event stalwart Chukwuebuka Enekwechi delivered his best at the men’s shot put, throwing a season’s best 21.52m to finish fifth. Though just short of the podium, his performance matched Nigeria’s best-ever World Championships result in the event and reaffirmed his status as one of Africa’s most consistent throwers.
Israel Okon
At only 18, Israel Okon proved Nigeria’s sprint future is in safe hands. The youngster won his 100m heat in 10.04s, beating Olympic champion Lamont Jacobs and Britain’s Zharnel Hughes. Though he bowed out in the semi-final with 10.14s, his fearless debut in such a stacked field marked him as one to watch for years to come.
