Ese Brume Set for 2026 Long Jump Debut in Los Angeles

African long jump record holder and reigning Commonwealth Games champion, Ese Brume, is set to make her first competitive appearance of the season in her specialty this weekend at the USTAF Los Angeles Grand Prix.

The event, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold series, will take place at the University of Southern California’s track in Los Angeles.

The 30-year-old Nigerian star has not competed regularly since failing to reach the final of the long jump at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo last year.

Joining Brume in Los Angeles are several other Nigerian talents.

Favour Ofili will contest both the 100m and 200m sprints, Rosemary Chukwuma will line up in the 200m, and Ella Onojuvwevwo will compete in the 400m.

In the field events, African shot put champion Chukwuebuka Enekwechi has also been confirmed for Saturday’s competition.

This Grand Prix serves as a crucial test for the Nigerians ahead of the busy summer season which incudes the Nigerian Championships next weekend and the Commonwealth Games, offering them the chance to sharpen their form against world-class opposition.

For Brume, it is an opportunity to build momentum towards the Commonwealth Games where she will be seeking to win the long jump for the third time.