As anticipation grows across Nigeria and West Africa, fans are gearing up to follow the nation’s top athletes as they represent the country at the 2025 World Athletics Championships. Viewing centers from Lagos Island to Kumasi are expected to fill, with fingers crossed and eyes glued to the screen, as these exceptional men and women step onto the world stage. Nigeria’s delegation features young upstarts, seasoned medalists, and record-setters—each carrying the hopes of millions and showcasing Africa’s dynamic talent to the globe.
Kayinsola Ajayi: Sprinting Sensation on the Rise
Barely out of his teens, 20-year-old Kayinsola Ajayi is rapidly earning recognition as a potential future champion in the men’s 100m. Ajayi’s impressive personal best of 9.92 seconds has earned him a spot among the world’s top 30 sprinters, according to the official World Athletics rankings. While this will mark Ajayi’s debut at the World Championships, he’s already made his presence felt internationally—reaching the semi-finals at the Paris 2024 Olympics and the final at the 2025 NCAA Championships.
Ajayi’s star continues to rise after winning the Nigerian national title in June 2024 and snagging a silver medal in the 4x100m relay at the African Championships in Douala. His achievement as the first Nigerian to run four sub-10-second races in a single calendar year further cements his reputation and brings pride to a nation hungry for sprint glory.
Obiageri Amaechi: Nigeria’s Discus Throwing Powerhouse
In women’s discus, 26-year-old Obiageri Amaechi leads the way with a personal and season’s best of 64.80m, placing her 31st globally, according to World Athletics statistical reports. Amaechi’s journey began with a bronze in the 2022 African Championships and a national title that same year, followed by a breakthrough bronze at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Despite missing the final at the Paris Olympics (finishing 32nd overall), she rebounded strongly at the 2024 African Championships with a silver medal. Amaechi’s growth has been closely followed by Nigerian athletics fans and serves as an inspiration for young throwers, particularly as she seeks a transformative performance on the global stage in her second World Championships outing.
Tobi Amusan: Nigeria’s Leading Hurdles Icon
Perhaps no athlete draws more excitement than Tobi Amusan, who holds the world record in the women’s 100m hurdles with her stunning 12.12-second run set in Eugene in 2022. Now 28, Amusan enters Tokyo aiming to add another chapter to her decorated career. According to the most recent global rankings, she has clocked 12.24 seconds in 2025, ranking her fourth worldwide this year and ninth overall. Even amid mixed results this season, Amusan remains the benchmark for excellence in her event and is gearing up for her fifth World Championships. Speaking to local broadcaster AIT, Lagos-based sports analyst Femi Aluko described her as “undoubtedly one of Nigeria’s most iconic sporting figures, representing hope and excellence beyond athletics.”
Ese Brume: Africa’s Long Jump Queen
At 29, Ese Brume’s name is etched into continental and global athletics history. With an African record of 7.17 meters, two World Championship medals, and an Olympic bronze, Brume’s consistency is remarkable. She holds the rare distinction of being the first African to win two medals in the long jump at the World Championships. As the reigning African and Commonwealth champion and with a season’s best of 6.79 meters, Brume remains one of Nigeria’s prime medal prospects. According to athletics historian Tunde Ojerinde, “Brume set the standard for West African jumpers, showing that talent from the region can compete with the world’s best.”
Rosemary Chukwuma: Steady Progress in the Sprints
At age 23, Rosemary Chukwuma exemplifies the resilience and promise in Nigerian women’s sprinting. With a personal best of 10.88 seconds and a season’s best of 11.03 seconds, she enters her fourth World Championships ranked 61st globally. Her performances have become even more crucial, given the absence of stars like Tima Godbless and Favour Ofili. Chukwuma, who broke onto the international stage by winning gold at the Youth Olympics in 2018, reached the 2024 Olympic semi-finals and has claimed medals in relay events at the African Games and Commonwealth Games. Her trajectory underscores the strength of Nigeria’s sprinting tradition, especially among female athletes.
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi: Redefining African Shot Put
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, at 32, has not only dominated Nigeria’s shot put scene but has also elevated African standards in the event. He set the African record with a throw of 22.10 meters at the 2025 Prefontaine Classic—becoming the first African to breach the 22-meter barrier, according to World Athletics. That throw stands as the seventh farthest in the world this year, underlining Enekwechi’s world-class status. He has reached multiple major finals, including at the Paris Olympics and Diamond League, amassing a collection of African titles. This will be Enekwechi’s fifth World Championships appearance, a testament to his longevity and elite performance.
Charles Godfred: A New Face in Men’s Long Jump
Charles Godfred, just 21, is set to make his World Championships debut in the men’s long jump. With a personal best of 8.14 meters and a season high of 8.10 meters, he is ranked 42nd worldwide. Back-to-back national titles and his victory as African U-20 Champion signal his readiness for the big stage. In 2025, Godfred retained his national crown in Lagos while maintaining consistency on the American NCAA circuit. As he prepares for Tokyo, there is hope among fans that he will help revive Nigeria’s legacy in the jumps—a legacy shaped by legends like Yusuf Alli and Blessing Okagbare.
Nathaniel: Shattering Barriers in the 400m Hurdles
Among the most in-form Nigerian athletes heading to Tokyo is Nathaniel, a 22-year-old 400m hurdler who has broken his nation’s record five separate times within the year. He lowered the standard to 47.31 seconds and now ranks fifth in the world. His NCAA title for Baylor University and appearance in the Diamond League final—competing alongside stars like Karsten Warholm—demonstrate his readiness for the global arena. According to coach Seyi Akinwunmi, “Nathaniel is the face of the next generation; his technique and composure have amazed both analysts and rivals.” The Tokyo event marks his third World Championships, and he is widely regarded as a medal contender.
Prestina Ochonogor: Teen Prodigy Leaping Forward
At just 19, Prestina Ochonogor is the youngest Nigerian woman on the Tokyo team and currently holds the African U-20 long jump record with a leap of 6.79 meters. This season, she managed 6.67 meters, ranking 35th globally. She won bronze at the 2023 African Games, secured consecutive Nigerian titles in 2024 and 2025, and reached the Olympics final in Paris. Many local commentators view Ochonogor’s rapid rise as evidence of Nigeria’s renewed investment in youth sports, in part due to initiatives by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and grassroots development programs.
Samuel Ogazi: Young 400m Talent with Global Ambition
Another standout youngster is 19-year-old Samuel Ogazi, making his World Championships debut after an NCAA victory in the men’s 400m. With a best of 44.41 seconds (and 44.43 seconds on the season), he is ranked 15th globally, as reported by the official World Athletics database. Ogazi earned a bronze at the African Championships and advanced to seventh in the finals at the Paris Olympics. His performances are not just individual triumphs but reflect the broader resurgence of Nigerian quarter milers, often overlooked compared to their sprint counterparts.
Chidi Okezie: Veteran Sprinter Tastes World Stage
At 32, Chidi Okezie, the reigning African Games 400m champion, is set for his long-anticipated World Championships bow. With a season’s best of 44.98 seconds—just a whisker away from his all-time best—Okezie ranks 32nd globally. His journey is one of perseverance, marked by a steady rise and highlighted by a semi-final appearance at the Paris Olympics. Okezie’s experience could be crucial for Nigeria’s relays and for mentoring the next crop of runners.
Israel Okon: Teenage Sprint Hope
Eighteen-year-old Israel Okon is Nigeria’s youngest competitor in Tokyo and the current national 100m champion. His 10.03-second best is both a personal record and the Nigerian U-20 record. Okon’s rise has been astonishing; he equaled the world U-20 indoor 60m record earlier in the year, reached the NCAA finals with Auburn University, and helped Nigeria to gold in the 4x100m relay at the 2023 African Games. As he makes his first appearance at the World Championships, Okon will face new challenges but carries a fearless, determined outlook. According to Abuja-based coach Musa Lawal, “Okon brings new energy and fearlessness to Nigerian sprints—the sky is the limit for him.”
Sade Olatoye: Hammer Throw Consistency
Hammer thrower Sade Olatoye, 28, will make her fourth appearance at the World Championships. Boasting a personal best of 71.88 meters and a 2025 season’s best of 70.27 meters, she’s ranked 33rd in the world. After switching allegiance from the USA in 2019, Olatoye became a fixture in Africa’s top ranks, winning silver at the 2024 African Championships and the 2025 Nigerian title. Her consistency and professionalism have raised the profile of Nigerian women’s field events on the global stage.
Udodi Onwuzurike: Double Threat in Sprints
Udodi Onwuzurike, 22, targets the 200m at his second World Championships after notching a personal best of 19.76 seconds and a season’s best of 20.17 seconds (30th globally). He competed in the 200m at the Paris Olympics (making the semi-finals) and has broken the magical 10-second (100m) and 20-second (200m) barriers—a rare feat among global sprinters. Onwuzurike’s versatility and championship experience make him a pivotal figure for Nigeria’s sprint relay hopes. According to long-time coach Sunday Adeleye, “Udodi’s composure on the big stage has inspired a new generation to believe in themselves.”
Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons: Veteran Leading the Discus
Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons, 31, anchors Nigeria’s women’s discus team as the African record holder (64.96 meters) and reigning national champion. With back-to-back continental titles and a Commonwealth Games gold to her credit, she’s a leading force in African throws. This will be her fourth World Championships, and according to local athletics journalists, Onyekwere-Lyons “has consistently set the benchmark for Nigerian and African throwers on the international stage.”
As these athletes set their sights on Tokyo, Nigerian fans are filled with hope but also aware of the immense challenges. Many will be watching to see if these stars can bring home medals, inspire the next generation, and reinforce West Africa’s status as a powerhouse in global athletics. According to a statement by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, preparations have focused on athlete welfare, world-class training, and technical support to close the gap with leading nations.
What are your expectations for Team Nigeria and Africa’s athletes at this year’s World Championships? Do you see this as a turning point for athletics in West Africa? Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay connected for updates on all the latest action and results.
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