World record holder in women’s 100m hurdles, Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan, now sits third in the global rankings, as reigning Olympic champion Masai Russell has surged to the top following back-to-back Diamond League victories in Shanghai and Xiamen.

The 25-year-old American, who turns 26 next month, clocked sensational times of 12.25 and 12.14 seconds to boost her ranking score to 1391.

Just eight days ago, Russell was ranked fourth, but her performances have propelled her past compatriot Grace Stark, who remains second with 1386 points.

Amusan also improved her standing, moving from 1379 to 1385 after recording 12.41 and 12.28 in the same Diamond League meetings. She sits third in the global rankings.

Amusan, however, leads Russell 7-5 in their head-to-head clashes, although the American has won their last two meetings.

Meanwhile, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has confirmed that the 2026 Nigerian Track and Field Championships will be staged at the Yabatech Sports Ground in Yaba, Lagos.

The event, scheduled to run from June 19 to 22, doubles as the official selection trials for this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, 2026.

The Championships were initially slated for the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, but the AFN has opted to return to Lagos for the second consecutive year.

Federation President Tonobok Okowa explained the decision in a message to Sportsnow.com.ng, citing logistical considerations.

“We wanted Uyo, but for logistical and other reasons, we have now decided to hold it in Lagos,” he said.