Amusan clinches fifth hurdles title

World record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan, stormed to victory at the 2025 Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s National Trials, held at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos.

The 28-year-old burst out of the blocks and powered her way to first place with a time of 12.57 seconds, securing her fifth national title.

She finished ahead of rising star Adaobi Tabugbo, who clocked 13.03 seconds to take second place, while Faith Osamuyi followed in third with a time of 13.36 seconds.

Amusan’s win reaffirmed her dominance in the women’s 100m hurdles as she steps up preparations for the upcoming World Athletics Championships scheduled for September in Tokyo, Japan.

In the men’s 400m final, Gafar Badmus claimed the national title with a strong run of 45.71 seconds. Ezekiel Asuquo followed in second place at 46.29 seconds, while David Akhalu came third with a time of 46.91 seconds.

An upset occurred in the women’s 400m, as multiple-time champion Patience Okon-George faced disqualification in the final.

African U-20 champion Favour Onyah took full advantage, racing to victory in 52.69 seconds. Opeyemi Deborah Oke and Anita Enaruna secured second and third places, respectively.

In the women’s 100m final, African U-20 champion Chioma Nweke dethroned Olayinka Olajide to win her first national title, clocking 11.27 seconds. Olajide finished second in 11.39 seconds, while Iyanuoluwa Bada placed third with 11.45 seconds.

The reigning National Sports Festival champion, Nweke, expressed her delight: “I feel absolutely amazing. It’s great to become a national champion.”

She added, “I’ll return to training and aim to qualify for the Commonwealth Games next year.”