World record holder Tobi Amusan reaffirmed her dominance in the women’s 100m hurdles by clinching her fifth national title at the 2025 Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) National Trials, held at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos.
The 28-year-old star got off to an explosive start and maintained her lead throughout the race, crossing the finish line in a time of 12.57 seconds. Amusan finished comfortably ahead of rising talent Adaobi Tabugbo, who clocked 13.03 seconds to take second place, while Faith Osamuyi came third with a time of 13.36 seconds.
The victory further solidifies Amusan’s status as Nigeria’s undisputed queen of the hurdles and comes as she ramps up preparations for the World Athletics Championships scheduled to take place in Tokyo this September.
In the men’s 400m event, Gafar Badmus emerged as the national champion after posting a winning time of 45.71 seconds. He finished ahead of Ezekiel Asuquo, who placed second in 46.29 seconds, while David Akhalu completed the podium with 46.91 seconds.
The women’s 400m final delivered one of the day’s biggest surprises. Multiple-time national champion Patience Okon-George was disqualified in the final, paving the way for a new champion to emerge. African U-20 gold medalist Favour Onyah seized the opportunity, claiming the title with a time of 52.69 seconds. Opeyemi Deborah Oke came second, while Anita Enaruna placed third.
Another rising star, Chioma Nweke, stunned the field in the women’s 100m final. The African U-20 champion dethroned Olayinka Olajide to capture her first senior national title, winning in 11.27 seconds. Olajide clocked 11.39 seconds for second place, while Iyanuoluwa Bada came in third with 11.45 seconds.
Nweke, who is also the reigning National Sports Festival champion, expressed her excitement after the race. “I feel very amazing. It feels good to become a national champion,” she told PUNCH Sports Extra. “I have to go back and try to qualify for the Commonwealth Games next year.”
The AFN National Trials not only crowned new champions but also served as a critical selection platform for Nigeria’s top athletes ahead of major international events, including the World Championships and Commonwealth Games.
