20th World Championships: Two Nigerian athletes left to fight for medals in Tokyo
With Tobi Amusan ending Nigeria’s wait for a World Athletics Championships medal, following a medal-less outing two years ago in Budapest, Hungary, and Charles Godfred exiting in the qualification round of the men’s long jump event, only two Nigerian athletes remain in contention for medals, both of whom are male.
Nathaniel Ezekiel, the 400m hurdler, is through to the semifinal of his event for the third consecutive Championships since making his debut in Oregon, USA, at the 18th edition of the competition.
The 22-year-old looks poised to finally break past the semifinal stage when he takes to the track at the National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday.
Ezekiel is aiming to become the first Nigerian man to run in the final of the 400m hurdles since Henry Amike did in 1987. He also has the chance to make standalone history as the first Nigerian to reach the podium in the event.
The other Nigerian still in the hunt is Udodi Onwuzurike, a former World U20 champion in 2021. Making his second appearance at the Championships, Onwuzurike will begin his quest for a podium finish on Wednesday as well.
Francis Obikwelu made the final of the 200m event and won a bronze medal in 1999 in Seville, Spain, a tough act for Onwuzurike to follow.
Thirteen Nigerian athletes have already exited the Championships, led by Amusan, who won a silver medal.
Ese Brume, a two-time medalist in the long jump, failed to reach the final, as did teenager Prestina Ochonogor.
Sprinter Rosemary Chukwuma also failed to advance past the first round, along with discus throwers Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons and Obiageri Pamela Amechi, and hammer thrower Sade Olaoye.
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi made it to the final of the shot put for the third time in four appearances, after missing out two years ago in Budapest. He finished fifth, three places better than he did on his debut in 2019.
Long jumper Godfred also failed to advance beyond the qualifiers.
Sprinter Kanyinsola Ajayi made it to the 100m final, becoming the first Nigerian since 2007 to run in the blue-riband final after Olusoji Fasuba. He is also the seventh Nigerian man to reach the final and the fastest ever, having run 9.88 seconds, his personal best, in the first round, surpassing Daniel Effiong’s 9.98 seconds set in 1993.
Israel Okon was also impressive on his debut, although he did not make it to the final. He ran 10.04 seconds to win his first round heat.
Samuel Ogazi and Chidi Okezie failed to advance past the first round in the 400m event.
