Tobi Amusan wins Nigeria's first gold as medal haul grows at African Championship
World record holder Tobi Amusan stormed to Nigeria’s first gold medal at the 2026 African Athletics Championships in Ghana, producing another commanding display in the women’s 100m hurdles.
Competing on Day Two at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, Amusan showed her class over the barriers, pulling clear of the field to successfully reclaim continental dominance and reinforce her status as one of Africa’s greatest sprint hurdlers.
The triumph adds to her growing legacy as a three-time African champion and three-time African Games champion.
Zimbabwe’s Ashley Miller settled for silver after finishing behind the Nigerian star, while Adaobi Tabugbo ensured Nigeria had two athletes on the podium by clinching bronze with a strong late run.
Nigeria’s celebrations, however, were mixed with controversy in the women’s 100m final involving Rosemary Chukwuma. The Nigerian sprinter briefly celebrated what appeared to be victory before organisers later announced her as the silver medallist following the release of official results.
The confusion came amid major organisational challenges at the championships, including the absence of live results, a faulty timing system, missing wind readings, and disputed disqualifications. Team Nigeria has since filed an official protest, insisting Chukwuma crossed the line first and should be recognised as champion, with the final decision now pending appeal.
In the men’s 100m, Chidera Ezeakor delivered another bright moment for Team Nigeria, winning bronze to secure his first individual senior championship medal. He finished behind Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme and South Africa’s Bradley Nkoana.
Sade Olatoye also added to Nigeria’s tally after claiming silver in the women’s hammer throw with a best mark of 69.60m.
Nigeria had opened their campaign on Day One with a double podium finish in the women’s discus. Cameroon’s Nora Atim Monie claimed gold with a throw of 57.00m, while Divine Oladipo impressed on her international debut for Nigeria following her switch from Great Britain, earning silver with 55.37m. Obiageri Amaechi completed the podium places with bronze after throwing 53.23m.
After two days of competition in Ghana, Team Nigeria’s medal count now stands at seven, one gold, three silver, and three bronze across both track and field events.
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