- Popular Nigerian athlete, Tobi Amusan, achieved a season's best of 12.66 seconds with her efforts at the Keqiao Diamond League
- Other Nigerian stars, including Favour Ofili, also delivered a strong showing in the United States
- Elsewhere, Ezekiel Nathaniel won the men’s 400m at the UCF Invitational in Florida
World Record holder Tobi Amusan continues her climb back to top form with an improved Season's Best (SB) of 12.66s, securing fourth place in the women’s 100m hurdles at the Keqiao Diamond League. The fiercely contested race saw Grace Stark of the United States claim victory in a Meeting Record (MR) of 12.42s, followed by Jamaica’s Danielle Williams (12.55s) and South Africa’s Marion Fourie (12.62s).
Amusan’s performance marks a significant improvement from her previous outing, reinforcing her credentials as she builds momentum ahead of the summer championships.
Elsewhere, Favour Ofili delivered another strong showing on U.S. soil. Competing at the Grand Slam Track Meet in Miami, the Louisiana State University standout clocked a wind-assisted 10.94s (+2.4m/s) to finish third in the women’s 100m. The race was won by American Melissa Jefferson-Wooden, who stormed to a time of 10.75s, with compatriot Tamari Davis finishing second in 10.79s. Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas placed fourth in 10.97s.
At the Crofoot/Corky Classic in Texas, Nigeria’s Olayinka Olajide achieved a significant career milestone, setting a new personal best of 11.15s (-1.0m/s) to win the women’s 100m. Olajide’s previous best, set during the African Games Trials last year, was decisively eclipsed. She held off Success Umukoro, who placed second in 11.30s, while Ruth Agadama (11.52s) and Mercy Umoibang (11.54s) finished fifth and sixth, respectively.
In the field, Temitope Adeshina remained flawless in 2025, claiming her eighth consecutive victory of the year in the women’s high jump. She cleared 1.86m to take top honours ahead of teammates Evelyn Lavielle (1.80m) and Alexis Ivy (1.75m).
In the men’s 200m at the South Atlantic Championships in Hickory, Favour Ekpekpe posted a massive breakthrough performance. The Carson-Newman University freshman clocked a wind-legal 20.69s (0.6m/s) to shatter his personal best by nearly half a second—his first time under 21 seconds legally. His teammate Amine Kasmi also impressed, qualifying for the final with 20.94s (-0.3m/s).
At the LSU Alumni Gold, Tima Godbless prevailed in the women’s 200m, running a superb 22.72s into a stiff -1.9m/s headwind. She held off Canadian sprinter Zoe Sherar (23.01s) and American Kenia Seals (23.25s).
In the men’s 400m, Samuel Ogazi made a bold statement in his outdoor season debut, winning the event at the Tiger Track Classic in Auburn with a time of 44.98s. It was his first race since January and his only individual indoor outing (300m). Erving Pearson (45.32s) and Xai Ricks (45.58s) rounded out the top three.
At the Drake Relays, Chidi Okezie continued his fine run of form, finishing third in the men’s 400m in 45.46s. He trailed Zandrion Barnes of Jamaica, who won in 45.29s, and American Khaleb McRae (45.38s).
Rounding off an exceptional week for Team Nigeria, Ezekiel Nathaniel produced a commanding performance at the UCF Invitational in Florida, clocking a lifetime best of 44.75s to win the men’s 400m. He dominated the field by over a second and a half, with Nickory Richards trailing in 46.21s. Nathaniel now holds World Championship-qualifying marks in both the 400m and 400m hurdles—highlighting his growing status as one of Nigeria’s premier athletes.
Tobi Amusan shines as Nigeria's flagbearer at Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony
Earlier, TheRadar reported that Tobi Amusan led the Nigerian delegation as the flagbearer at the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony.
Amusan's presence at the opening ceremony was supported by Anuoluwapo Opeyori, general team captain and badminton player.
