Nigeria’s track queen, Tobi Amusan, once again proved why she remains one of the most formidable athletes in African athletics, delivering a stunning performance to secure her third consecutive 100m hurdles title at the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra.
Inside a buzzing University of Ghana Sports Stadium, fans witnessed yet another commanding display from the world record holder, who led Team Nigeria’s impressive medal haul and helped push the country to the top of the standings after an electrifying second day of competition.
Amusan’s Historic Third Title
Coming into the championships as the clear favorite, Amusan showed exactly why she holds that status. She set the tone early in the heats with a swift time of 12.82 seconds, signaling her readiness to dominate the final.
When it mattered most, she delivered with precision and composure. In the final race, Amusan crossed the finish line in 12.83 seconds, comfortably ahead of the field. Her performance was smooth, controlled, and decisive, as she began to pull away from her competitors by the fourth hurdle.
This latest victory marks her third straight continental title in the 100m hurdles, having previously won gold in Asaba in 2018 and Mauritius in 2022. The achievement further cements her legacy as one of Africa’s greatest track athletes.
Despite minor delays caused by technical issues with the stadium’s timing system, Amusan remained focused and unshaken, demonstrating the mental strength that has become a hallmark of her career.
Nigeria also celebrated another podium finish in the same event, as Adaobi Tabugbo claimed bronze with a time of 13.26 seconds. It was a significant milestone for Tabugbo, marking her first individual medal at the senior international level. Zimbabwe’s Ashley Miller finished second with 13.24 seconds, placing between the two Nigerian athletes.
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Nigeria’s Strong Showing Continues
Amusan’s gold medal set the tone for what turned out to be a highly successful day for Team Nigeria. The country recorded a total of six medals on Wednesday, showcasing strength across multiple events and reinforcing its reputation as a powerhouse in African athletics.
One of the standout moments of the day came in the mixed 4x400m relay, where Nigeria delivered a well-coordinated and strategic performance to clinch gold.
The team, made up of Ezekiel Asuquo, Toheebat Jimoh, Victor Sampson, and experienced runner Patience Okon-George, executed their race plan to perfection. They crossed the finish line in 3:16.41, holding off strong competition from Botswana, who finished second in 3:17.88, and Kenya, who took bronze in 3:17.94.
The victory highlighted not only the team’s speed but also their discipline and chemistry, which proved crucial in securing the win.
Podium Finishes Across Events
Nigeria’s success extended beyond the hurdles and relay events, with several athletes stepping up in both track and field competitions.
In the women’s 100m final, Rosemary Chukwuma delivered a strong performance to win silver. She narrowly missed out on gold, finishing just behind Cameroon’s Hervé Kole Etame in a tightly contested race.
On the men’s side, Chidera Ezeakor secured bronze in the 100m, adding another medal to Nigeria’s growing tally. The race was won by Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme, who once again demonstrated his sprinting prowess.
In the field events, Sade Olatoye impressed in the women’s hammer throw, earning a silver medal with a best effort of 69.60 meters. She finished just short of Algeria’s Zahra Tatar, who claimed gold by a narrow margin.
These performances, combined with medals won on the opening day of the championships, have positioned Nigeria as the team to beat as the competition progresses.
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Nigeria Tops the Medal Table
After two days of intense competition, Nigeria has emerged as the leading nation in the medal standings. The team’s consistency across various disciplines has been key to their success, with athletes delivering strong performances in both individual and team events.
Among the highlights so far are gold medals from Tobi Amusan in the women’s 100m hurdles and the mixed 4x400m relay team. Silver medals have come from Rosemary Chukwuma in the women’s 100m, Sade Olatoye in the hammer throw, and Divine Oladipo in the discus. Bronze medals have been secured by Adaobi Tabugbo in the hurdles, Chidera Ezeakor in the men’s 100m, and Obiageri Amaechi in the discus.
This well-rounded medal haul reflects the depth of talent within the Nigerian squad and underscores the country’s strong presence in African athletics.
Officials Praise Team Nigeria
The impressive performances have not gone unnoticed by sports authorities. The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the athletes for their determination and dedication.
He expressed pride in the team’s achievements so far, highlighting Amusan’s victory as a symbol of excellence and consistency. He also noted that the overall performance of the Nigerian contingent demonstrates the hard work and commitment of both the athletes and their support teams.
Dikko added that there is still more to come from Team Nigeria as the championships continue, with several top athletes yet to compete in key events.
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Looking Ahead
With more events still to be contested, including the 200m, 400m, and additional relay races, Nigeria is well positioned to extend its lead in the medal standings. Expectations remain high, as several athletes are considered strong contenders in their respective categories.
The momentum built over the first two days has created a sense of optimism within the camp, and fans will be eager to see whether the team can maintain its dominance through to the final day.
For Tobi Amusan, her latest triumph adds another chapter to an already remarkable career. For Team Nigeria, it is a statement of intent as they continue their quest for continental supremacy in Accra.
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