Amusan Wins Third African Championships Title for Nigeria

Nigeria’s sprint hurdler and world record holder, Tobi Amusan, has clinched her third African title in the women’s 100m hurdles at the ongoing 24th African Athletics Championships in Ghana.

Amusan stormed to victory in Wednesday’s final, dominating the race from start to finish to secure another continental crown for Team Nigeria.

Zimbabwe’s Ashley Miller finished second, while Nigeria’s Adaobi Tabugbo claimed bronze to win her first individual medal for the country.

The latest triumph adds to Amusan’s previous African Championships titles won in Asaba, Nigeria, in 2018 and Mauritius in 2022.

The 28-year-old did not compete in the hurdles event at the last edition held in Cameroon in 2024.

Although the official time for Wednesday’s final had yet to be released as of press time, the championships have been plagued by several organisational issues, including a faulty timing system, lack of live results, incomplete race data, and controversial disqualifications.

Despite the challenges, Amusan showed class throughout the competition, recording the fastest times in both the heats and semi-finals before sealing victory in the final.

Reacting after the race, Amusan thanked God for the win and expressed excitement about the rest of her season.

“First, I will say all thanks to God. I don’t know what the time is, but I got the win — that’s all that matters — and I’m looking forward to the next race,” she said.

“The goal is to get racing, and this is my season opener. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Nigeria, however, missed out on more gold medals in the men’s and women’s 100m finals later in the evening.

In the women’s 100m final, former African youth champion Rosemary Chukwuma settled for silver after losing to Cameroon’s Kole Etame, while Liberia’s Thelma Davies took bronze.

Nigeria’s rising sprint star, Miracle Ezechukwu, also featured in the race.

In the men’s 100m final, reigning National Sports Festival champion Chidera Ezeakor won bronze for Nigeria.

Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme claimed gold in the men’s race, while South Africa’s Nkoana Bradley finished second.

The result saw Cameroon complete a clean sweep of both the men’s and women’s 100m titles.

Nigeria now has six medals at the championships, one gold, two silver, and three bronze medals.

Earlier in the competition, Team Nigeria opened its medal campaign through Divine Oladipo and Obiageri Amaechi, who won silver and bronze, respectively, in the women’s discus event.

Oladipo, making her first international appearance for Nigeria after switching allegiance from Great Britain, marked her debut with a silver medal finish.

The championships will conclude on Sunday, May 17.