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 Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.