Amusan wins third african hurdles crown as Nigeria’s medal haul grows

World record holder Tobi Amusan clinched her third women’s 100m hurdles title at the 24th African Athletics Championships in Ghana on Wednesday, reinforcing her dominance on the continental stage, Sport360NG reports. 

Competing in her fourth appearance at the championships, Amusan controlled the race from start to finish to secure gold ahead of Zimbabwe’s Ashley Miller, while fellow Nigerian Adaobi Tabugbo claimed bronze to earn her first individual medal for the country.

The triumph adds to Amusan’s previous African titles won in Nigeria in 2018 and Mauritius in 2022. The Nigerian star did not compete in the hurdles event at the 2024 edition in Cameroon.

Official times for the final were not immediately released, with organisers continuing to face operational challenges during the championships. The competition has been criticised over issues including a faulty timing system, lack of live results, incomplete data without wind readings and inconsistent disqualifications.

Despite the setbacks, Amusan had already stamped her authority on the event after recording the fastest times in both the heats and semi-finals before completing her campaign with victory in the final.

“First, I will say all thanks to God. I don’t know what the time is, but I got the win, that’s all that matters, and I’m looking forward to the next race,” Amusan said after the race.

“The goal is to get racing, and this is my season opener. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”

Nigeria, however, missed out on additional gold medals in the men’s and women’s 100m finals later in the evening.

Former African youth champion Rosemary Chukwuma settled for silver in the women’s 100m after finishing behind Cameroon’s Kole Etame, while Liberia’s Thelma Davies claimed bronze. Nigeria’s rising sprint prospect Miracle Ezechukwu also featured in the final.

In the men’s 100m, reigning National Sports Festival champion Chidera Ezeakor secured bronze for Nigeria.

The men’s final produced a surprise result for the home supporters as Ghanaian duo Abdul-Raheed Saminu and Joseph Amoah failed to reach the podium. Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme powered to victory to complete a clean sweep of the men’s and women’s sprint titles for his country, with South Africa’s Nkoana Bradley taking silver.

Nigeria’s medal tally at the championships now stands at six medals, one gold, two silver and three bronze, ahead of the conclusion of the competition on Sunday, May 17.

The country had opened its campaign on Tuesday with two medals in the women’s discus event, as Divine Oladipo won silver on her international debut for Nigeria following her switch from Great Britain, while Obiageri Amaechi secured bronze.