Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 World Athletics Championships have entered their final stage, with a group of athletes and officials set to depart the country today (Tuesday). The global event will hold in Tokyo, Japan, and officially begins on Saturday, September 13.
While part of the team is traveling together from Nigeria, several athletes based abroad have already arrived in Japan to begin early preparations. One of them is sprinter Konyinsola Ajayi, who confirmed his presence in Tokyo on Sunday, signaling the start of Nigeria’s buildup to the championship.
In total, the nation will be represented by 15 athletes competing in 11 different events. These events cut across both track and field, including men’s and women’s 100m, women’s 100m hurdles, men’s 200m, men’s 400m, men’s 400m hurdles, men’s and women’s long jump, men’s shot put, women’s discus throw, and women’s hammer throw. The team, a mix of rising stars and experienced campaigners, was officially unveiled by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) last week. The list contains seven female and eight male athletes.
At the heart of the squad is Nigeria’s most decorated track star, Tobi Amusan. The 100m hurdles world record holder will once again carry the nation’s hopes as she looks to rediscover her form. Amusan has enjoyed memorable moments on the world stage, but her performances this season have been inconsistent. Despite that, she remains a serious contender and a leading figure in the team. Alongside her will be Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, the dependable shot put specialist, and Ezekiel Nathaniel, one of Nigeria’s brightest prospects in the 400m hurdles.
The team also includes Ese Brume, Africa’s record holder in the women’s long jump. Brume, who has previously enjoyed success in Tokyo, is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most reliable performers. With her experience and proven ability, officials believe she can once again challenge for medals if she finds her best form at the championship.
Other athletes who will compete for Nigeria are Samuel Ogazi (400m), Kayinsola Ajayi (100m), Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons (discus), Prestina Ochonogor (long jump), Obiageri Amaechi (discus), Charles Godfred (long jump), Rosemary Chukwuma (100m), Oyesade Olatoye (hammer throw), Israel S. Okon (100m), and Chidi Okezie (400m). This mix of youth and experience reflects the federation’s attempt to balance medal prospects with long-term development.
Among this lineup, Amusan stands out as Nigeria’s only athlete to have ever won a world title. Her triumph came at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon, USA, where she stunned the athletics community with a blistering run of 12.12 seconds in the semi-final to set a new world record. She then went on to win the gold medal in 12.06 seconds. Unfortunately, the final performance was not officially recognized as a world record due to a strong tailwind.
For Nigeria, the 2025 championship represents another chance to make a statement on the global stage. With established names like Amusan and Brume leading the way, supported by emerging stars such as Nathaniel and Ogazi, the team will be looking to surpass past performances and return home with medals. As the countdown to Saturday’s opening continues, hopes are high that this group of 15 athletes can deliver moments of pride and inspire the next generation of Nigerian athletes.
