Tobi Amusan and Emmanuel Ojeli made bold statements in two different European cities on Friday evening, proving once again that the nation’s flag continues to fly high in global athletics.
At the 2025 Paris Diamond League, all eyes were on Tobi Amusan, Nigeria’s world-renowned hurdler and the current world record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles. True to expectations, she brought intensity, composure, and world-class speed to the track in what turned out to be one of the tightest races of the season. Amusan finished second with a Season’s Best (SB) time of 12.24s, a mark that places her firmly among the world’s elite this year.
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The race was won by the American, Grace Stark, who blazed to victory in 12.21s, setting a Meeting Record (MR) in the process. Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent also ran a solid race, finishing third in 12.30s.
Amusan’s performance, though just shy of the top spot, signals a strong return to form as the countdown continues to major championships like the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her consistency under pressure and ability to rise to the big occasions keeps her as one of Nigeria’s brightest medal prospects heading into the summer.
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While Amusan was lighting up Paris, another Nigerian was putting up fireworks in Italy.
Emmanuel Ojeli, one of Nigeria’s emerging quarter-mile talents, secured a historic win at the Meeting Pergine in Pergine, Italy. Running in superb form, Ojeli clocked a Meeting Record of 45.74s to clinch his first European victory of the season in the men’s 400m event.
The Nigerian speedster finished ahead of local Italian favourites, Francesco Rossi and Vladmir Aceti, who both posted identical times of 46.18s. Botswana’s Tumostatago Van Wyk came in just behind them in fourth with 46.25s.
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Ojeli’s performance is not just a personal triumph but a significant morale booster for Team Nigeria. It reinforces the depth of talent within the country’s sprint pool and adds momentum ahead of upcoming meets and the Olympic qualifiers.
These performances highlight a powerful message: Nigerian athletics is thriving. With Amusan running her best time of the season and Ojeli breaking records, it’s evident that the green-white-green is ready to shine on every stage.
Picture Credit: Making of Champions Facebook Page
