Nigeria’s representation at the 2025 Wanda Diamond League Final in Zurich has taken an unexpected twist, with sprint star Favour Ofili withdrawing from the women’s 200m despite qualifying as one of the top eight contenders.
The Paris 2024 Olympic finalist was set to make her Diamond League Final debut at the Letzigrund Stadium but was absent from the official entry list. No official reason has been given for her withdrawal, leaving fans and analysts puzzled.
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While Ofili is out, Tobi Amusan is back in the spotlight. The 28-year-old, a three-time Diamond League champion, will compete in the women’s 100m hurdles as she chases a record fourth crown and the $50,000 top prize.
Amusan missed last year’s edition but returns with renewed determination, raising expectations of another record-breaking performance.
Nigeria also gained two surprise entrants. Nathaniel Ezekiel, a 400m hurdler, earned a late call-up following the withdrawals of Benjamin Rai (USA) and Alison dos Santos (Brazil).
Though he finished ninth in the standings, Ezekiel now joins the elite lineup, with $50,000, $20,000, and $10,000 at stake for the podium finishers.
Similarly, sprinter Udodi Onwuzurike, the 2021 World U20 champion, secured a spot in the men’s 200m final despite competing in just one Diamond League event this season in Brussels. His inclusion, alongside wildcard entrant Noah Lyles, adds further intrigue to the contest.
However, it was disappointment for Nigerian shot putter Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, who finished seventh overall but failed to qualify as all six higher-ranked athletes confirmed participation.
With Amusan leading the hunt for history and Ezekiel and Onwuzurike stepping into unexpected opportunities, Nigeria heads into Zurich with hope of Diamond League glory.
The Letzigrund Stadium is set for high drama as the world’s best athletes clash for the top prize.
