Tobi Amusan, on Monday, won the silver medal in the women’s 100m hurdles at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
She finished the tightly contested race in 12.29 seconds.
The world record holder produced a strong race from start to finish, but fate had her in second place behind Switzerland’s Ditaji Kambundji, who stormed to gold in a national record of 12.24 seconds.

The 28-year-old star performance
has now become the first medal for Nigeria at the prestigious sporting event.
Kambundji of Switzerland also produced a new Swiss national record.
United States’ Grace Stark clinched bronze in 12.34 seconds, followed by compatriot Masai Russell in fourth with 12.44.

Pia Skrzyszowska of Poland and Devynne Charlton of the Bahamas both clocked 12.49 season’s bests to share fifth, while Jamaica’s Danielle Williams finished seventh in 12.53 and Nadine Visser of the Netherlands placed eighth in 12.56.

Amusan set world record of 12.12 in 2022 and has been the dominant force in the hurdles over the past three years.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has distanced itself from a post-match statement that criticised some Super Eagles players following the team’s 1-1 draw with South Africa in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

The statement, issued by the NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, singled out forward Cyriel Dessers and captain William Troost-Ekong for criticism.

It accused Dessers of being sluggish and faulted Ekong for the own goal that gave Bafana Bafana the lead.

However, NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, said on Wednesday that the statement did not represent the official position of the Federation.

“I saw the release just like everyone else did. Nobody in the Federation is happy with it,” Sanusi said.

“The NFF did not authorise that statement. We have great respect for all the players. Blaming an individual for a team result is unfair.”

He added that the Federation regards the South Africa match as a collective effort, and will not support attempts to scapegoat any player.

“When we win, it’s a team victory. When we lose, it’s also collective. No player should be singled out,” Sanusi said.

He described the targeted criticism of Troost-Ekong as unjustified, noting that the defender had previously been celebrated as the Most Valuable Player at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.

“It was an unfortunate own goal. His intention was to clear the ball. Anyone who knows football understands that such things happen,” he said.

Sanusi also expressed confidence in the team’s unity, revealing that efforts were ongoing to regroup and refocus ahead of the remaining qualifiers and AFCON.

“Our house is in order. We’re preparing for the rest of the qualifiers and the AFCON in Morocco,” he said.

“There’s no problem with our players or coaching crew. Our relationship remains cordial. The government and the NFF are proud of the players’ efforts.”

The Federation had initially praised Calvin Bassey for his equalising goal and lamented the team’s failure to convert second-half chances.

But Sanusi made it clear that internal disciplinary action would be taken over the unauthorised release.

“I can assure you the NFF will take action on the matter,” he said.

Nigeria currently sit third in Group C of the CAF World Cup qualifiers with 11 points from eight matches. South Africa lead the group with 17 points.

The Super Eagles must now win their remaining games against Lesotho and Benin Republic, and hope other results go their way to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

.…..As Gov Oyebanji Restates Commitment to Sports, Tourism Development

Ekiti State Government, in collaboration with the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative has announced plans for the second edition of Ikogosi 17.5km Marathon race scheduled for November 8, 2025, describing it as a major event designed to promote fitness, attract investments, and showcase the state’s natural endowment.

Speaking during a Press Conference in Ado Ekiti on Monday, Governor Oyebanji, who was represented by his Technical Advisor on Sports Development, Dr Olusola Osetoba, restated his administration’s commitment to sports and tourism development as a key driver of economic growth and youth engagement in the state.

He added that the Ikogosi race goes beyond competition, as it provides a platform to promote healthy living while placing the state on the global sporting map.

According to the organizers, the 27.5km marathon will feature over 5,000 athletes and participants through scenic routes of Ilawe, with the finishing point at the iconic ikogosi Warm Springs resort, ikogosi- Ekiti.

While assuring that his government would continue to partner with relevant stakeholders to make Ekiti a sports and tourism hub and describing the event as more than just a competition, but a celebration of resilience, unity and excellence that reflects Ekiti spirit, the Governor urged residents to welcome visitors warmly and showcase the state’s culture, values and peaceful atmosphere.

In his remarks, the initiator of the Ikogosi Marathon, Mr. Femi Abegunde, who commended Governor Oyebanji for his steadfast commitment to sports development in the State, noted that the Governor’s consistent support for sports and youth development, particularly the marathon reflects a broader vision to use athletics not just as recreation, but as a strategic platform for youth empowerment, economic growth, and state branding.

He stressed that the Governor’s leadership is gradually transforming the state into a vibrant destination for sports tourism in Nigeria.

He also commended state government’s partnership with the organizers, noting that the collaboration will give greater visibility and credibility to the second edition of the race. He added that Ikogosi Marathon was conceived to combine the thrill of athletics with the beauty of Ekiti tourism attraction, particularly the world-famous warm springs, thereby positioning the state as a leading destination for sports in Nigeria.

Abegunde further explained that registration for the 2025 edition of Ikogosi 27.5km marathon is free for all Ekiti indigenes until November st, and can be completed via the official website, www.ikogosimarathon.com.

He outlined the prize structure for the race, with elite winners set to receive ₦2 million, ₦1.5 million, and ₦1 million for first, second, and third places respectively while Indigenous athletes will be awarded prizes ranging from ₦1.5 million to ₦50,000 for the top six positions.

Also speaking, the Director General, Bureau of Tourism Development, Ambassador Wale Ojo-Lanre, who described the marathon as a strategic event that aligns with the government’s vision of using tourism and sports as tools for economic growth, noted that hosting such an event would not only attract visitors to the state but also stimulate business activities for hoteliers, transporters, artisans, and other service providers in the tourism value chain.