Tobi Amusan Wins Third African Title As Nigeria’s Medal Tally Grows In Ghana

World record holder Tobi Amusan powered to her third African women’s 100m hurdles crown at the 24th African Athletics Championships in Ghana on Wednesday, May 13.

Competing at her fourth championships, Tobi Amusan led from the gun to the tape in the final. Zimbabwe’s Ashley Miller finished second, while Nigeria’s Adaobi Tabugbo secured bronze to claim her first individual international medal.

The victory adds to Amusan’s previous triumphs in 2018 on home soil and in Mauritius in 2022. She skipped the hurdles at the last edition in Cameroon in 2024 but returned in commanding fashion.

Organisers were yet to release the official time for the final due to ongoing technical issues at the championships. The event has faced criticism over a faulty timing system, missing live results, incomplete wind readings and inconsistent disqualifications.

Despite the disruption, Amusan had already set the fastest times in both the heats and semi-finals before sealing the title in the final.

“First, I will say all thanks to God. I don’t know what the time is, but I got the win, that’s all that matters, and I’m looking forward to the next race,” Amusan said after the race.

“The goal is to get racing, and this is my season opener. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Nigeria missed out on additional gold medals in the men’s and women’s 100m finals later in the evening. Former African youth champion Rosemary Chukwuma took silver behind Cameroon’s Kole Etame in the women’s race, with Liberia’s Thelma Davies claiming bronze. Nigeria’s Miracle Ezechukwu also featured in the final.

In the men’s 100m, Chidera Ezeakor earned bronze, while Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme won gold to complete a sprint double for his country. South Africa’s Nkoana Bradley finished second. Ghana’s Abdul-Raheed Saminu and Joseph Amoah both missed the podium, disappointing the home crowd.

Nigeria now have six medals at the championships, comprising one gold, two silver and three bronze, with competition set to end on Sunday, May 17.

The team opened their campaign on Tuesday with two medals in the women’s discus. Divine Oladipo marked her first appearance for Nigeria after switching allegiance from Great Britain with silver, while Obiageri Amaechi claimed bronze.