Tobi Amusan, the reigning champion and record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, is set to represent Nigeria at the upcoming World Athletics Championships.
Earlier this week, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) issued a list of 26 athletes who will compete for Nigeria at the world championship, scheduled from August 19 to 27 in Budapest, Hungary.
However, there was a noticeable absence of Tobi Amusan’s name on the list, even though Ese Brume, the silver medalist from last year’s championships, was included. The list featured 11 male and 15 female athletes.
Surprisingly, on August 10, 2023, Tobi Amusan’s name was added to the list.
This information was shared by sports journalist Latifat Adebayo-Ohio through a post on ‘X’, stating, “Tobi Amusan has officially been registered by World Athletics. OMG! This is the best news this week. I can’t help but wish her the best of luck with her appeal.”
Amusan’s participation in the competition had been uncertain after she received a provisional suspension from the Athletics Integrity Unit due to missing three drug tests this season.
Although the AIU announced that a hearing on her case would take place before the World Championships, Amusan has vowed to fight the charges and prove her innocence. However, with only 9 days remaining until the championships, no updates have been provided regarding the proceedings.
In addition, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria excluded US-based sprinter Udodi Onwuzurike and Godson Brume from the list.
Brume withdrew from the championships three days ago, citing medical issues, while Onwuzurike failed to recover from the injury sustained at the NCAA outdoor championships in the United States.
They have been replaced by Nicholas Fakorode and Kalington Anunagba.
Ese Brume, the world silver medalist in long jump, as well as Itshekiri Usheoritshe, Favour Ashe, and Alaba Akintola, have also been included.
Others on the list include Seye Ogunlewe, Nathaniel Ezekiel, Nathaniel Samson, Dubem Nwachukwu, Chidi Okezie, Samuel Ogazi, and shot putter Enekwechi Chukwuebuka.
The women’s list for Budapest includes Rosemary Chukwuma, Ofili Favour, Faith Okwose, Eyakpobeyan Justina, Success Umukoro, Uko Nse Imaobong, Patience George, Ella Onojuvwevwo, Oke Opeyemi, Ruth Usoro, Amaechi Obiageri Pamela, Anumba Ashley, Onyekwere Chioma, and Olatoye Oyesade.