Sports
Nathaniel breaks record as Amusan, Ofili clinch third
Nigeria’s Ezekiel Nathaniel stole the headlines at the Silesia Diamond League meet after storming to a new national record in the men’s 400m hurdle, while Tobi Amusan and Favour Ofili both earned podium finishes in their respective events, The Tidesports source reports. .
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi also maintained his push for a spot in the season-ending finals with another consistent outing in the men’s shot put at the event.
The 12th leg of the Diamond League, held in Poland, saw Nathaniel clock 47.31s to finish second behind reigning Olympic champion and world record holder Karsten Warholm of Norway, who stormed to victory in 46.28s, a meeting record and world lead.
Nathaniel’s effort shaved time off previous best and erased the Nigerian record of 47.49s he set on June 13, 2025 in Oregon during the NCAA DI finals, but despite his fine performance he ends the Diamon League qualification campaign ranked ninth with 13 points.With only the top eight progressing, his late entry into the professional circuit, after an outstanding collegiate season in the United States, has cost him a place in the Zurich final.
Amusan, competing in the women’s 100m hurdles, finished third in a loaded field, crossing the line in 12.25s.
The race was won by Masai Russell of the United States in 12.19s, with her compatriot Tonea Marshall placing second in 12.24s.The Nigerian world record holder, however, had already done enough in previous meetings to secure her ticket to Zurich and remains firmly in contention for a fourth Diamond Trophy.
With 23 qualification points, she sits second behind Grace Stark of the US, ensuring a Nigerian will be represented in the women’s sprint hurdles final.
In the women’s 200m, Turkey-linked Ofili claimed third place with a performance of 22.25s behind Jamaica’s Shericka Jackson, who took victory in 22.17s ahead of American Brittany Brown in second, who clocked 22.21s.
Ofili’s late introduction to the circuit means her six qualification points leave her 13th in the standings, well outside the top eight required for a finals berth, and with no further races scheduled for her, her campaign comes to a close despite Saturday’s impressive run.
Nigeria’s other representative, Enekwechi, threw 21.56m for seventh place in the men’s shot put.
The event was won by Payton Otterdahl of the United States with 22.28m, followed closely by Italy’s Leonardo Fabbri and American Joe Kovacs.
Enekwechi’s performance keeps him seventh in the qualification rankings with 11 points, and with his place in the Lausanne leg already confirmed, he will have one final chance to earn his spot in Zurich.
Amusan is now the only Nigerian certain of a place in the Diamond League finals, while Enekwechi remains in the hunt as the series heads to Lausanne for its final qualifying round before the grand finale in Zurich on August 27 and 28 where only the most consistent performers across the 14-meeting series will contest for the prestigious Diamond Trophy and a share of the $2.24m prize fund.
The decision comes after Benin failed to secure approval for any of their home stadiums from the Confederation of African Football.
As a result, the federation opted to play its “home” fixture at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé.
The first leg of the second-round qualifier will be held in Togo on October 24, whilst the return leg will take place four days later in Nigeria on October 28.
The aggregate winner over the two legs will advance to the 2026 WAFC
Ferdinand soared to victory on Saturday, lifting an impressive 153kg to clinch gold in the women’s up to 79kg category and further cement Nigeria’s legacy in the sport.
Her remarkable feat added to Nigeria’s growing medal haul at the historic championship after Nworgu had earlier won silver in the 50kg category, whilst Ajiboye claimed bronze in the same class.
Nworgu narrowly missed gold to Venezuela’s Clara Fuentes, who edged her out for the top spot in a fiercely contested competition.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, congratulated the athletes on their outstanding performances, commending their relentless drive and patriotic spirit.
“Our athletes continue to make us proud, showing the world that Nigeria is a force to be reckoned with in para powerlifting. Their bright start in Cairo reflects the depth of talent, discipline, and dedication that define Nigerian sports,” Olopade said.
“The NSC remains steadfast in providing the necessary support to ensure our champions keep soaring.”
The 11th World Para Powerlifting Championships, taking place from October 9 to 18, 2025, marks the first-ever edition to be hosted on African soil, a milestone event highlighting the continent’s growing influence in adaptive sports.
The National Sports Commission had expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and determination to uphold Nigeria’s longstanding reputation as a force to be reckoned with in global para powerlifting.
The hosting of the championships in Cairo represents a significant moment for African para sports, providing an opportunity to showcase the continent’s growing infrastructure and commitment to disability sports.
Nigeria has established itself as one of the leading nations in para powerlifting, consistently winning medals at major international competitions, including the Paralympic Games and World Championships.
The 10-day competition has attracted top para powerlifters from across the globe, all vying for world titles in their respective weight categories.
The National Sports Commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Team Nigeria throughout the competition as the athletes aim for more podium finishes and continue to make the nation proud.
Nigeria’s strong start in Cairo has raised expectations that more medals will follow as the championship progresses, with several other Nigerian lifters yet to compete in their respective weight categories.
The NEC said the only intention of the suspended members of the association is to create confusion, wondering why they leverage the use of thugs to create confusion while colluding with illegal security operatives.
In a firm resolution reached by the NEC and endorsed by the National Secretariat, SWAN reaffirmed that Ms. Olatutu Oladunni and Mr. Bello Omotunde, former Chairperson and Secretary of the Lagos Chapter respectively, remain indefinitely suspended from all activities and structures of the association.
The association has consequently petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), drawing attention to what it described as a dangerous pattern of intimidation, impersonation, and misuse of security operatives by the suspended duo to disrupt peace within the Lagos sporting and journalistic community.
In the petition signed by SWAN National President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the association said the suspended officials are attempting to stage an unauthorised election in Lagos on Thursday, October 9, 2025, despite prior notification of their suspension to both the Lagos State Police Command and the DSS Directorate.
SWAN recalled that during the Lagos SWAN Congress held on September 17, 2025, Ms. Oladunni mobilised more than eleven (11) police vehicles and armed operatives to a peaceful gathering of sports journalists — describing the act as “a brazen show of force, abuse of privilege, and a deliberate attempt to intimidate members.
“The so-called Lagos election is not only illegal but also an affront to the authority of the National Executive Council,” the NEC resolution stated. “The individuals behind this plot have no mandate or legitimacy to act in the name of SWAN. Their continued defiance constitutes gross misconduct and will attract further disciplinary measures.”
The association warned that any security officer or agency that lends support to the illegitimate exercise would be aiding an unlawful activity and undermining the association’s recognised constitutional order.
SWAN therefore, urged the IGP and DG DSS to restrain the suspended officials, maintain neutrality, and prevent any misuse of security institutions in matters internal to professional associations.
Reaffirming its authority, the NEC through the National Secretariat, reserves the power to supervise or approve elections in state chapters, stressing that any activity outside that structure “is null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.”
“The NEC of SWAN stands firm in defending the unity, credibility, and sanctity of the association,” the statement added. “We will not permit any act of indiscipline, impersonation, or external interference that threatens our stability and professional integrity.”
The association further assured all members nationwide of its commitment to due process, accountability, and the protection of journalists’ rights, urging them to disregard the actions of the suspended individuals and remain guided by the decisions of the National Executive Council.
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