World record holder Tobi Amusan is beginning to hit top gear at exactly the right time, showing steady improvement with every outing this season as she builds momentum towards the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland in July.
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The Nigerian sprint hurdles queen has gradually sharpened her form across three major competitions, underlining her growing confidence and race fitness after an inconsistent start to the year.
Amusan opened her recent run with a modest 12.83 seconds performance at the CAA Senior Athletics Championships, a time that hinted she was still finding rhythm and adjusting into full competitive mode.
However, the signs of progress quickly became evident on the elite Diamond League circuit.
She dropped her time significantly to 12.41 seconds at the Shanghai Diamond League, showing improved acceleration, sharper hurdle clearance and better finishing strength against a world-class field.
The upward trajectory continued in Xiamen, where Amusan clocked an impressive 12.28 seconds, her fastest time of the season so far.
The 2nd Vice President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria AFN Akuchukwu Chineze Aghazu, is elated with her performance.
“The performance further confirmed that the reigning world record holder is steadily returning to peak condition ahead of a packed international schedule.”
“She is a very consistent runner and determine to maintain her grip on the 100m hurdles, as I always say, consistency is very for any top and Tobi Amusan has shown that over time.”
Beyond the times themselves, the consistency of improvement has become the biggest positive for the African Queen.
“Each race has reflected a more composed and explosive Amusan, suggesting her preparations are beginning to align perfectly as attention gradually shifts towards Glasgow,” the AFN Chief said.
“With the Commonwealth Games drawing closer, Amusan’s rising curve will offer encouragement to Nigerian athletics fans hopeful of another dominant showing from one of the country’s most decorated track athletes.” She added.
2nd Vice President, explained that prompt payment of grant to the athletes by the National Sports Commission (NSC) is helping to fuel this impressive outings.
“As the NSC DG would say, let the athletes do their running and the Sports Commission will play it part well and that is what we are seeing with Amusan and other elite athletes,” Aghazu stressed.
“Am very sure that she will keep getting better and better before the Commonwealth Games and all things being equal Tobi Amusan will be the one to broke her own record. She her ran 12.12s and 12.06s wind assisted and she is capable of lowering the world record again”
Meanwhile, another Nigeria’s sprint sensation Samuel Ogazi is rapidly establishing himself as one of the brightest young stars in world athletics after a string of electrifying performances across the 2026 indoor and outdoor season in the United States.
The 20-year-old has shown remarkable consistency, speed and maturity beyond his age, producing one stunning run after another against elite collegiate competition.
Ogazi stormed to an indoor personal best of 44.85 seconds in the 400 metres, immediately placing himself among the fastest quarter-milers in the NCAA circuit this season.
Barely weeks later, the Nigerian sensation raised the bar once again at the NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships held at the Randal Tyson Indoor Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on March 14. Competing against some of the best athletes in the collegiate system, Ogazi clocked a blistering 44.57 seconds, underlining his growing reputation as a major force in the event.
His impressive indoor campaign also saw him deliver a facility-record performance at the SEC Indoor Championships, where he powered to victory in 44.72 seconds, another statement run that confirmed his elite status.
However, the youngster reserved perhaps his biggest statement for the outdoor season.
At the Southeastern Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Auburn, Alabama, on May 16, Ogazi exploded to a sensational 43.95 seconds in the men’s 400 metres, the second fastest time in the world this year at the time.
Aghazu stated that shattering a 39 year record long-standing Nigerian national record of 44.17 set by Innocent Egbunike in 1987, elevate him among the top athletes to watch for.
“Like I said before consistency is very key in any field and Ogazi is ready to write his name in gold and we at the AFN and with the support of the National Sports Commission we are ready to keep providing the platform and the environment for them to excel ” the AFN 2nd Vice President emphasized.
The performance not only cemented his place among the world’s leading quarter-milers, but also highlighted his rapid development into a genuine medal contender ahead of major international championships.
“With every race, Ogazi continues to display exceptional composure, power and technical improvement, fueling excitement over what could become a historic career for the young Nigerian star.”
Aghazu concluded by saying, “At just 20, Samuel Ogazi’s rise is no longer just promising, it is becoming impossible to ignore and he will be helped by the Federation and the NSC under the stewardship of Shehu Dikko and Honourable Bukola Olopade to achieve his dream.”
