Sports
TOBI AMUSAN: From Unknown to Unforgettable
… The story of 25-Year Old Nigerian Accidental Hurdler
By Paul Eso
After nine days 0f track and field events on the Hayward Field in Oregon, Nigeria was battling a drought of medals at the 2022 World Athletic Championship. Results were not going in tandem with the expectations and quality of talents of the Nigerian contingents. Several events completed, no podium finish and little excitement.
But everything changed when Tobi Amusan lined up for the semi-final of the women’s 100 meters hurdles on the final day of the tournament. With the wind to her spikes, she glided over all the 10 hurdles with swooshing ease to become the fastest female hurdler in the world.
At 12.12 seconds, she buried US Kandra Harrison’s record of six years ago. And that was only the beginning of a night that an Ijebu Ode-born girl would chisel her name in gold on the summit of world athletics history.
Barely two hours later, she returned to the tracks and, with her braids behind her like a cape, blitzed to the finish line at an even faster 12.06 seconds — it was wind-aided and ineligible for a world record — to become the first Nigerian to win a gold medal at the World Athletic Championship.
But Amusan probably did not fully digest the magnitude of the feats she had spurned on the night until the patriotic tunes of Nigeria’s national anthem blazoned during the medal presentation. The 25-year-old’s face was wet with tears as she sang “the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain.”
Amusan suddenly realised she’s one of those “heroes” now.
Her name will be taught as a source of inspiration to millions of children. Her feat is an oasis for Nigerians inundated by the acridity of the country’s security challenges. Her reign as Nigeria’s “queen of the track” has begun.
Amusan’s ascendancy into athletics royalty had been foreseen years prior, with different coaches marvelling at her lightning-quick box of talent. However, it has been a rugged climb to the top rather than a quick dash for the fast legs of the Nigerian.
From Ijebu to El Paso
Amusan was born on April 23, 1997, in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. She was born into a family with a sports background as her mother once played volleyball. Her track and field talent was discovered at the Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School in her hometown.
She began considering the path of professional athletics when she represented Nigeria at the first edition of the African Youth Athletics Championship in 2013. At 16, she competed in the 200 meters sprint and won silver for the country.
Two years later, she was part of the contingent for the 2015 African Youth Athletics Championship and she won the gold medal with 14.26 seconds in the women’s 100 meters hurdles. It was a huge feat for the teenager but it would cost her a potential scholarship in the US.
“My school [University of Texas, El Paso] had been contacting me since 2014 before I went for the 2015 African Junior Championships. But there I ran above 14 seconds and they told me it wasn’t up to the standard for recruiting for the NCAAs Division 1 level,” she had said in one interview.
However, she funnelled her disappointment into a three-month training for the 2015 African Games in Brazzaville, Congo. She went into the competition ranked distant 10th. Amusan would then break the African U20 record twice as she ran 13.15 to win the gold medal in the women’s 100 meters hurdles. The school came calling again, this time with ferocity and desperation.
“You don’t even want to know about the phone calls [from UTEP]! They were killing me with calls! “Can you send this, can you send that?!” Amusan said.
Accidental Hurdler
Amusan’s sprint career did not start as a hurdler but fate and a blessing in disguise of disappointment sent her down that path.
Replaced as a member of the Nigerian 4x100m relay squad at the trials for the 2014 African Youth Games, a resilient Amusan enquired about other events she could participate in. The organisers suggested the 100 meters hurdles and with the top two automatically selected for a place in the Nigerian team for those games, Amusan figured she had nothing to lose.
“If it is run and jump, I thought I’ll do it. I had played around with hurdles in practice but I had never competed before,” she had said about the change.
She surprised herself and went on to earn silver at the African Youth Games in Botswana in only her second hurdles race.
From then onward, Amusan, like a butterfly reaching a full circulation of metamorphosis, soared above the hurdles and shatter records, and accrued medals.
In 2018, she became the first Nigerian female hurdler to win gold at the Commonwealth Games. She also won gold at the 2018 African Athletics Championship and 2019 All African Games.
The “Almost” Girl Despite her dominance and consistency, Amusan hit the wrong side of luck in major championships between 2019 to 2021.
READ ALSO: 2022 World Athletics: Amusan wins gold, makes history for Nigeria
At the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Qatar, she finished fourth in the final of the women’s 100-meter hurdles with 12.49 seconds.
She also fell short in the final at the Tokyo Olympics when she dipped 12.60 seconds to place fourth in the race.
Amusan was apparently hurt after she was labelled the “almost girl” for all the near misses at the grand stages.
“I know a lot of people have tagged me the ‘almost’ girl. I’ve seen and heard a lot of comments,” she had said.
“It’s just sad knowing that I’m that girl that people tag ‘almost’ and that’s the main force that’s going to drive me next year. I don’t want to be the ‘almost’ girl. I want to be ‘that girl’, the girl that wins every competition.”
Faulty Timer
In 2021, at the Olympics trials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Amusan swooshed easily to the finish line in the women’s 100m hurdles — only to discover that the electronic timer at the stadium had failed to display the time at the end of the race, remaining at 0.00secs.
However, her hand timer recorded that she won the race by dipping 12.3 seconds, which would have erased Gloria Alozie African record of 12.44 seconds set in 1998.
Diamond League
Away from the disappointments of the months before, Amusan’s consistency and hard work paid off in September 2021.
She became the first Nigerian athlete ever to win a World Athletics Diamond League trophy as she placed first in the women’s 100 meters hurdles final.
Amusan clocked 12.42 seconds to break Alozie’s 23-year-old national record and become Africa’s fastest hurdler in the women’s category.
Setting and Breaking African Records
There was no stopping Amusan from there on as she continued to break and set a new African record thrice in a year.
On June 19, the Nigerian set a new African record in the women’s 100 meters hurdles as she dipped 12.41 seconds at the Diamond League meet in Paris.
On July 23, Amusan also set a new African record of 12.40 seconds when she won heat three in the women’s 100m hurdles.
She then reduced the time further in the semi-final to clinch the world record of 12.12 seconds
From sandy tracks of inter-house sports at Our Lady of Apostles Secondary School, Ijebu-Ode to the bouncy arena in Hayward Field in Oregon, an accidental hurdler has gone on to become Nigeria’s first-ever world record holder in athletics.
Amusan has also immortalised her name in the history of track and field events.
Musa Francis James and Akanbi Aderonke Olufunmilayo emerged as the men’s and women’s winners respectively at the fifth edition of the Abeokuta 10km Race in Ogun State on Saturday.
Francis James led the men’s field from the finish, completing the 10km race in 30:25.33 to claim the $1,000 first prize.
Ilya Raymond finished second in 30:38.06 to collect $750, while Gyang Sunday completed the men’s podium in 30:47.00 and received $500.
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The women’s race followed a similar pattern, with Akanbi Aderonke Olufunmilayo taking the top position after finishing in 35:00.69 to win $1,000.
Bulus Mary Jah came second in 35:58.71 and received $750, while Nwantiyi Teyei Davou finished third in 36:03.09 to take home $500.
The results reflected the competitive nature of the race, which brought together athletes, fitness enthusiasts and members of the public for the fifth staging of the event in Abeokuta.
For the winners, the achievement was also a reward for their preparation and an opportunity to compete on a platform that continues to attract athletes to the city.
Francis James said he was pleased to see his preparation pay off after crossing the finish line first, while also acknowledging the platform provided by the organisers.
“I’m very happy with the victory,” James said.
“It feels good to see all the hard work and preparation pay off. I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete here, and I want to appreciate the organisers for putting together such a good race and giving athletes like us the platform to compete and challenge ourselves.”
Raymond, who finished second, said he was pleased with his performance and excited to have secured a place among the leading athletes.
“I’m glad and excited to have been a winner. It feels really good to see all the effort and preparation pay off.”
”I’m grateful for the opportunity to compete here, and I want to appreciate the organisers for putting together a race that gives athletes like us the platform to compete and challenge ourselves,” he said.
Gyang, who completed the men’s podium, said he was delighted to finish among the top three and expressed hope that the initiative would continue to grow.
“I’m just happy to be one of the people to grace the podium. It is a good feeling to finish among the top athletes, especially in a race like this. I appreciate the organisers for giving us the opportunity to compete, and I hope this initiative continues to grow and attract even more athletes in the years ahead,” he said.
In the women’s category, Akanbi said the victory was particularly satisfying after the work that went into her preparation.
She also praised the organisers for creating an opportunity for athletes to compete.
“I am very happy to have won the women’s race. It was not easy, but I am glad that all the hard work paid off. I commend the organisers for creating this opportunity and for the effort they put into making the race a success. I hope the Abeokuta 10km Race continues to grow and gives more athletes the chance to compete at this level,” she said.
The race was organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited and attracted sports enthusiasts, dignitaries and residents from different parts of Abeokuta.
Managing director Yetunde Olopade said the organisers were pleased with the outcome and praised the athletes and participants for their commitment throughout the event.
She also thanked the Ogun State Government, sponsors and partners, including Phlo, Bet9ja Foundation, 7UP and Aquafina, for supporting the race.
“We are delighted with the outcome of this year’s Abeokuta 10km Race. The quality, organisation and enthusiasm shown by the participants have once again demonstrated what can be achieved when everyone comes together.
“We appreciate the Ogun State Government, our sponsors, partners and everyone who contributed to making this race a colourful and successful event. Nilayo Sports Management Limited will continue to uphold the class and quality that the company is known for,” Olopade said.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, also used the event to highlight the wider opportunities being created for athletes as sporting events continue to grow across Nigeria.
He particularly pointed to the equal prize money for the men’s and women’s winners, saying such measures could help promote equality in sport.
“I have always been a fan of equality. When you look at what Nilayo has done here, giving the same prize money to the men and women, it is something we should encourage,” he said.
“The Nigerian sporting ecosystem is getting bigger, and with events like this, we are creating more avenues for our sportsmen and women to thrive, compete and earn a living from sport.”
Also speaking after the race, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare, praised Nilayo Sports Management Limited for staging another road race and commended Abeokuta residents for their support.
Dare said the event demonstrated the potential for Nigeria to host high-quality sporting competitions while encouraging participation in sports and healthy living.
“Nilayo has once again demonstrated that we can organise world-class sporting events in Nigeria. This is a top-class event, and the turnout of the people of Abeokuta shows the passion Nigerians have for sports and healthy living,” he said.
The race also provided an opportunity for residents to participate in fitness activities while highlighting Abeokuta’s potential as a destination for road racing and other sporting events.
Among the dignitaries present were the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka; the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Youth Development, Tunde Delu; former Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Adijat Motunrayo Adeleye; and former members of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Femi Allen Taylor and Idowu Olowofuja.
With less than 24 hours to the fifth edition of the Abeokuta 10km Race, organisers, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML), have assured participants and spectators of a hitch-free and memorable road race as preparations reach their final stage.
The 2026 Abeokuta 10km Race is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, with the race expected to attract more than 3,000 participants to Abeokuta, Ogun State.
At the pre-race press conference held at the MKO Abiola Stadium on Friday, the managing director of NSML, Yetunde Olopade, expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Government, sponsors and partners for their support towards the successful staging of the race.
Olopade specifically acknowledged the contributions of the Ogun State Government, Phlo, Bet9ja Foundation, Aquafina and 7UP, describing their support as crucial to the growth of the event.
“The Ogun State Government has been of immense support. We run on their roads, and the Commissioner for Sports was meant to be here but had another very important state function, so we are very grateful,” she said.
“Our sponsors and partners have been wonderful too, so we are grateful and glad to be doing this again.”
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The race comes with a total cash prize structure in dollars for men and women, with the overall winner set to pocket $1,000, while the first and second runners-up will receive $750 and $500, respectively.
Beyond the prize money, every participant who successfully crosses the finish line will receive a commemorative medal.
Olopade also disclosed that the race will culminate in a post-race concert at the finish-line area.
On his part, the Race Director, Yusuf Alli, said the organisers had put adequate logistics in place to ensure the safety, comfort and smooth participation of all runners.
“All the arrangements have been put in place. We have looked at the route, the water points, medical support, security and every other aspect of the race to make sure that participants have a safe and enjoyable experience.
“We are expecting over 3,000 runners, so we are prepared for the numbers. We want everybody to come out, enjoy the race, compete fairly and, most importantly, finish safely.”
The race will commence at 7am from Macjob Grammar School, Onikolobo, with runners making their way through the designated route before finishing at the MKO Abiola International Stadium.
Alli explained that five water stations would be positioned along the route, with fruits also available to participants.
“We have five water stations strategically positioned along the route, and there will also be fruits for the runners. We are encouraging everyone to run at their own pace and make use of the facilities provided along the route.”
Also speaking, the managing director of Phlo, Mr Michael Ailuelohia, said the apparel brand identified with the Abeokuta 10km Race because of its commitment to initiatives that encourage movement, active living and community engagement.
Ailuelohia explained that Phlo is more than an apparel brand, describing it as a movement-driven brand that seeks to align with activities capable of getting people active and positively engaged.
“Phlo is not just an apparel brand; we see ourselves as a movement brand. We love to align with activities that get people moving and positively affect communities,” Ailuelohia said.
“For us, the Abeokuta 10km Race represents more than just a race. It is about bringing people together, encouraging active living and showing that movement can have a positive impact on individuals and communities. That is why we are proud to be part of this event.”
The fifth edition of the Abeokuta 10km Race is expected to bring together professional indigenous athletes, fitness enthusiasts and members of the public for a celebration of sports, fitness and healthy living in Ogun State.
Carlos Queiroz has parted ways with Ghana for a second time after the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Portuguese coach mutually agreed to terminate his contract as head coach of the Black Stars.
The GFA announced the decision in a statement, saying the agreement followed discussions held in a spirit of mutual respect.
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According to the association, both parties agreed that ending the professional relationship was the most appropriate course of action under the present circumstances and in the best interests of Ghana, the Black Stars and Ghanaian football.
The GFA thanked Queiroz for his commitment, professionalism and dedication during his time with the national team.
The association also acknowledged his efforts in helping to build a stronger future for the Black Stars and supporting the development of Ghanaian talent since taking charge ahead of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The GFA also expressed appreciation to Queiroz’s technical staff for their support and contribution to the Black Stars project.
The football body wished Queiroz well in his future endeavours and said it would announce detailed technical arrangements and the next steps regarding the leadership of the Black Stars in due course.
Queiroz’s latest departure comes as Ghana continues its campaign in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series.
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