Nigeria’s campaign at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo ended with a mix of relief and regret, highlighted by Tobi Amusan’s silver medal in the women’s 100m hurdles and Ezekiel Nathaniel’s record-breaking performance in the men’s 400m hurdles final.
Amusan once again proved her consistency on the global stage, claiming silver in her signature event to provide the country’s only podium finish.
Her medal ensured Nigeria did not leave empty-handed, reaffirming her reputation as one of the world’s best hurdlers.
The championships closed on a dramatic note for Nigeria through Nathaniel, who ran a blistering 47.11 seconds to finish fourth in the 400m hurdles final.
Though he missed bronze by just 0.05 seconds, the 22-year-old set a new Nigerian record for the sixth time this year.
At one point, he was briefly listed as a bronze medallist after officials ruled that gold winner Rai Benjamin of the United States had clipped a hurdle and interfered with another competitor.
Following an appeal, Benjamin was reinstated, leaving Nathaniel just outside the medals but firmly established as a rising star.
There were further sparks of encouragement. Kanyinsola Ajayi reached the men’s 100m final, finishing sixth against a world-class field, while Udodi Onwuzurike progressed to the semi-finals of the men’s 200m before bowing out.
Rosemary Chukwuma failed to progress in the women’s 100m, while Israel Okon, despite winning his heat, fell short in the men’s 100m semi-final.
In the men’s 400m, Chidi Okezie and Samuel Ogazi were eliminated in the heats, while Nigeria’s representatives in the throws and women’s long jump also struggled to advance.
Despite these setbacks, Nigeria’s showing in Tokyo marked progress compared to the previous World Championships in Budapest, where the team returned home empty-handed.
With Amusan’s medal, Nathaniel’s record-breaking form, and Ajayi’s sprint breakthrough, Nigeria leaves Tokyo with renewed belief in its ability to challenge the world’s best, while acknowledging the need for greater depth to turn promise into regular podium finishes.
