The 20th World Athletics championships began in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday, with Nigerians looking forward to another round of great performance from world record holder in 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan, and silver medallist in long jump, Ese Brume.

Team Nigeria is participating in this year’s championships with 15 athletes, made up of established and emerging stars across sprints, jumps, throws, and hurdles.

Two years ago in Budapest, Hungary, Team Nigeria returned home without a medal. But now in Tokyo, Nigeria will look to build on its 2022 World Championships performance, where Amusan set the 100m hurdles world record (12.12s) and claimed gold, while Brume secured silver in the long jump.
Nigeria did not win any medal in the last two world athletics championships held in Tokyo.

Team Nigeria is parading a male squad that has Kayinsola Ajayi (100m), Israel Sunday Okon (100m), Udodi Chudi Onwuzurike (200m), Samuel Ogazi (400m), Chidi Okezie (400m), Ezekiel Nathaniel (400m hurdles), Charles Godfred (long jump), and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi (shot put).

Nigeria’s representatives in the Women events are Rosemary Chukwuma (100m), Tobiloba Amusan (100m hurdles), Ese Brume (long jump), Prestina Ochonogor (long jump), Obiageri Amaechi (discus), Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons (discus), and Oyesade Olatoye (hammer throw),

Meanwhile, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has arrived in Tokyo with a message from the Presidency to the athletes to give their best and bring glory to Nigeria. Olopade emphased that they have the full backing of the Commission and the Nigerian people.

“This is a moment of pride for our nation, and we trust our athletes to compete with determination and secure podium finishes. The Commission will continue to provide all you need to excel.”