All eyes will be on Tobi Amusan as the world record holder begins her quest for a third African 100m hurdles title at the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana.
The six-day competition, holding at the University of Ghana, the spotlight shines on Nigeria’s sprint hurdles queen, whose dominance continues to redefine African athletics.
A Legacy Written But Tobi Amusan Is Not Done
Amusan arrives in Accra with an intimidating résumé:
- World record holder (12.12s)
- Five-time African champion (across individual & relay events)
Her previous continental triumphs include:
- Double gold (100m hurdles & 4x100m relay) at Asaba 2018
- Another double at Mauritius 2022
- Relay gold at Douala 2024
She was widely expected to chase a third individual hurdles crown in Douala but did not compete in the event for personal reasons, focusing instead on relay duties.
Now, she’s back and hungry.
With Rivals Lurking, is Amusan Still the Favourite?
While Amusan is the clear favourite, the field is not without threats.
Reigning champion:
- Ebony Morrison — championship record holder (12.7s)
Other contenders include:
- Marione Fourie
- Sidonie Fiadanantsoa
And closer to home, Nigeria’s own:
- Adaobi Tabugbo (PB: 12.87s)
- Janet Sunday (PB: 13.67s)
Tabugbo, who placed fifth in Douala and already owns a relay gold alongside Amusan, looks the most likely challenger from within Team Nigeria.
Race Schedule: The Road to Gold
- Heats: Day 1 – 5:30pm
- Final: Day 2 – 4:45pm
A quick turnaround. No room for error.
Nigeria Arrives with Firepower
Nigeria has landed in Ghana with a 41-athlete contingent (17 men, 24 women), competing across 26 events.
Leading names include:
- Rosemary Chukwuma
- Favour Ashe
- Chidi Okezie
- Obiageri Amaechi
- Oyesade Olatoye
However, the team has suffered key absences:
- Chukwuebuka Enekwechi (withdrawn)
- Jessica Oji (ruled out)
- Jami Schlueter (visa issues)
AFN president Tonobok Okowa had earlier acknowledged the logistical hurdles:
“We are looking at how soon we can get some of the foreign-based athletes to secure visas to leave the US and return to the US.”
“We are also looking at that, especially for those who were born there and are presently in Nigeria or those who have American passports.”
“Let us see what is going to happen in Ghana.”
Tobi Amusan- Beyond Accra
Amusan’s schedule doesn’t slow down after Ghana.
Just three days later, she heads to China for the Diamond League opener in Shanghai, where she will face a stacked global field including:
- Ditaji Kambundji
- Masai Russell
- Danielle Williams
- Devynne Charlton
With history within reach and expectations sky-high, this isn’t just another race for Tobi Amusan.
It’s:
- A chance to reclaim continental dominance
- A launchpad for her 2026 global campaign
- And another chapter in an already legendary career
