Tobi Amusan delivered yet another masterclass at the Nigerian Championships in Yabatech, storming to her fifth consecutive national title and further solidifying her place as Nigeria’s most dominant hurdler of her generation.
The world record holder was in a league of her own, clocking an impressive 12.57 seconds in the 100m hurdles final. Though narrowly missing her own championship record of 12.54s set back in 2022, Amusan’s commanding victory once again underscored her unrivaled consistency on the domestic stage.
By claiming her fifth national crown in a row, Amusan has now joined an elite circle of Nigerian athletics legends who have ruled their respective events for at least five straight years. This prestigious group includes iconic figures like Mary Onyali, who reigned supreme between 1991 and 1996, Felicia Nkiru Ojiego (1993-1997), Sorochukwu Ihuefo (at least nine consecutive titles starting in 1998), Funke Adeoye (early 2000s), and Vivian Chukwuemeka (1999-2005).
Since capturing her first national title in 2021, Amusan has remained a force to be reckoned with, maintaining an iron grip on the event and continuing to raise the bar for Nigerian athletics. With her latest triumph, the focus now shifts to the global stage as Amusan intensifies preparations for the World Championships in Tokyo this September, where she will aim to add a world title to her growing list of accolades.
The championships also saw a new star emerge in the men’s 100m, as 18-year-old Israel Okon clinched his first senior national title in a thrilling sprint finish, marking a night of both legacy and new beginnings for Nigerian track and field.
