Brume, Amusan lead Nigeria’s 22-man list to World Athletics Championships

Nigeria’s Ese Brume competes in the women’s long jump final on the third day of The World Athletics Indoor Championships 2022 at the Stark Arena, in Belgrade, on March 20, 2022. (Photo by ANDREJ ISAKOVIC / AFP)

Long jumper, Ese Brume, and sprint hurdler, Tobi Amusan, are among 22 athletes selected by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) for the World Athletics Championships billed to start on July 15 in Eugene, Oregon, U.S.   

Brume, a bronze medallist at the last edition of the championships in Doha, Qatar, three years ago, aims to become the first Nigerian athlete to win medals at two World Championships.      Amusan, who came fourth three years ago in Doha, is seeking to become the second Nigerian sprint hurdler to win a medal at the Championships after Glory Alozie, who won a silver medal in Seville, Spain in 1999.                  Also selected for the competition is Shot Putter, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, who placed eighth in 2019, in Doha, as well as sprinter Favour Ofili, a semifinalist in the 400m event in her debut, three years ago.                            She will, however, compete in the 100m and 200m events, where her major target will be to become the first Nigerian, man or woman, to make the podium in the 100m event.                          Ofili will be joined by fellow sprinters, Rosemary Chukwuma, who was also in Doha in 2019 and Tokyo Olympics 100m and 200m semifinalist, Grace Nwokocha.           

Nigeria’s fastest man, Favour Ashe, reigning World U20 200m champion, Udodi Onwuzurike and reigning African Games champion, Raymond Ekevwo, will compete in the 100m event, while new national 400m hurdles record holder, Ezekiel Nathaniel, will make his debut in Oregon.