Top Nigerian Athletes Miss National Championships Amid Visa and Funding Challenges
Amusan, Chukwuma, Ogazi, Ajayi, Ezekiel, Onwuzurike, Onojuvwevwo Out
After a day’s delay, the Nigerian Track and Field Championships finally commenced Sunday at the Sports Ground of Yaba College of Technology (Yabatech) in Lagos.
The nation’s biggest athletics event, however, has been overshadowed by the absence of several of its brightest stars, many of whom are facing visa complications, funding issues, or scheduling conflicts.
Among the men, 19‑year‑old Samuel Ogazi, the world’s fastest 400m runner in 2026 with a time of 43.38, is missing due to visa renewal problems. His absence is compounded by unresolved training grant payments from 2025 and 2026.
Kanyinsola Ajayi, the 2024 champion who recently set a new Nigerian 100m record at 9.84 seconds, is also not competing, denying fans the chance to see the fastest Nigerian man in history on home soil.
Nathaniel Ezekiel, a 400m hurdles finalist at last year’s World Championships, remains absent despite holding the national record of 47.11.
Other notable male absentees include Edidiong Udo, who boasts a 44.91 best in the 400m; Alaba Akintola, a two‑time national 200m champion; Israel Okon, the defending 100m champion; and Udodi Onwuzurike, the 2021 World U20 Champion still seeking his first senior national crown.
The women’s roster has also been depleted.
Tima Godbless, third‑fastest Nigerian sprinter this year, will not compete, while Rosemary Chukwuma, the nation’s fastest woman at 10.95 seconds, misses the chance to reclaim her 100m title.
Ella Onojuvwevwo, the world’s fastest woman indoors over 400m in 2026, is absent despite being the overwhelming favourite for the national crown. Rising star Adisa Rhoda, who broke the Nigerian 800m record twice this year, is also missing.
High jump record holder Temitope Adeshina, undefeated this season and chasing the elusive 2m barrier, will also not reclaim her title and win for the fourth time.
World 100m hurdles record holder, Tobi Amusan is also unavailable for the first time since she won her first of six straight sprint hurdles titles in 2021.
The absence of these athletes has cast a shadow over the championships, highlighting ongoing challenges in athlete support and logistics.
Despite the setbacks, the event continues to showcase Nigeria’s depth of talent and the resilience of those competing on home soil.
