With five months to go until the 2025 World Athletics Championships, seven Nigerian athletes have already punched their tickets to Tokyo, qualifying for eight events.
Set to be held from September 13 to 21, this year’s edition marks Tokyo’s second time hosting the competition, following the historic 1991 championships.
Over 2,000 athletes from 200 countries will compete for glory, and Nigeria’s elite have already begun laying a strong foundation.
Relay Hopes: Key Qualification Events Ahead
While individual events are shaping up well, Nigeria’s men’s, women’s, and mixed relay teams are still seeking qualification.
Their best chance will come at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, scheduled for May 10–11.
Only the top 14 relay teams in each category at that meet will automatically qualify. Any remaining spots will be filled based on global rankings before the qualification deadline.
Confirmed Nigerian Qualifiers
1. Tobi Amusan – Women’s 100m Hurdles
World record holder Tobi Amusan remains Nigeria’s top medal prospect. She secured her place with a 12.49sperformance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, well below the 12.73s qualifying mark.
After placing outside the medals in Paris and Budapest, the 2022 World Champion is targeting a return to the top.
2. Favour Ofili – Women’s 200m
Ofili booked her place with a 22.05s run at the Paris Olympics. The LSU sprinter, a Commonwealth Games silver medalist, will be keen to prove her mettle on the world stage after being controversially left out of the 100m in Paris due to administrative oversight.
3. Ella Onojuvwevwo – Women’s 400m
Onojuvwevwo joined the team with a 50.59s effort, just inside the 50.75s automatic standard. The LSU Lady Tigers sprinter continues to show promise in the one-lap event.
4. Ezekiel Nathaniel – Men’s 400m Hurdles & 400m
Nathaniel achieved a dual qualification, first with a 48.38s in the 400m hurdles, then clocking 44.74s in the flat 400m at the Big 12 Indoor Championships. His versatility positions him as a strong contender in both events.
5. Kayinsola Ajayi – Men’s 100m
Ajayi clocked 9.96s a day after Godbless’ feat in Gainesville, becoming the second-fastest man in the world in 2025. It was a personal best and a huge statement from the 20-year-old on his season debut.
6. Samuel Ogazi – Men’s 400m
Ogazi stormed to a 44.41s finish at the Paris Olympics, smashing the 44.85s qualifying mark and marking himself as Nigeria’s top hope in the quarter-mile event.
7. Tima Godbless – Women’s 200m
Godbless qualified at the Tom Jones Memorial with 22.55s, narrowly making the cut. The 20-year-old rising star now has her eyes set on a breakthrough international performance.
Nigeria Eyes a Return to the Podium
The 2025 World Championships offer Nigeria a chance to reclaim its place among track and field’s elite.
Since Tobi Amusan’s historic gold in 2022, Nigeria has missed out on medals at both Budapest 2023 and the Paris 2024 Olympics.
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