Tabugbo Eyes Strong Finish at National Trials Despite Worlds Setback

Emerging Nigerian hurdler Adaobi Tabugbo is aiming to leave a lasting impression in the women’s 100m hurdles as the Athletics Federation of Nigeria National Championships wrap up today at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos, Sport360NG reports.

The 23-year-old, who competes for the University of Central Florida, is participating in her second national championship and is set for a high-stakes showdown with world record holder and reigning national champion, Tobi Amusan.

Speaking ahead of the race, Tabugbo highlighted her main focus. “The plan is to go out there and execute. I’m hoping to match or better my personal best, but more importantly, I just want to run a clean race and improve my global ranking,” she said.

Tabugbo has posted a season-best time of 12.95 seconds in the event but will not be competing at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September due to anti-doping compliance issues.

“I missed the window for the required drug tests, particularly the initial WADA test,” she explained. “Even if I hit the qualifying mark now, it’s too late for me to be eligible.”

Despite the disappointment, she remains optimistic and is already shifting her sights to 2026. “This might be my last race of the season, but I’m not entirely sure yet,” she added. “Looking ahead, I want to compete at the Commonwealth Games and African Championships next year, maybe even the National Sports Festival. The goal is to keep building.”

Tabugbo is set to face her toughest competition yet in Amusan, a global icon in the sport. Still, she embraces the challenge. “Tobi is definitely my biggest competition. I’ve always looked up to her,” she said. “But on race day, we’re all competitors.”