Sports
BUDAPEST: Amusan Not Listed In Nigeria’s Squad
World record holder in the 100m hurdles Tobi Amusan was not included in Nigeria’s squad that will compete at the 2023 World Athletics Championship in Budapest, Hungary.
On Tuesday, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) unveiled the male and female athletes that will represent the country at the athletic championship billed for 19 to 27, August.
Amusan’s omission is due to the charges against her by the Athletic Integrity Unit (AIU) for missing three doping tests in a 12-year span.
Missing three drug tests can lead up to a two-year suspension even if an athlete never fails a drug test.
Aside Amusan, US-based sprinter Udoji Onwuzuruike and Godson Brume were also left out.
Among the athletes who were included by the AFN are 2020 Tokyo Olympic bronze medal winner in long jump Ese Brume, Itshekiri Usheoritshe, Favour Ashe and Seye Ogunlewe.
Others are Enekwechi Chukwuebuka, Dubem Nwachukwu, Chidi Okezie, Nathaniel Samson, Alaba Akintola and Nathaniel Ezekiel.
At the 2022 World Athletics Championship in Oregon, USA, Nigeria placed joint 13th with one gold and one silver.
Amusan got Nigeria’s gold medal in the women’s 100 metres while Brume won silver in the women’s long jump event.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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