Tobi Amusan has climbed to third place in the latest World Athletics women’s 100m hurdles rankings, becoming Nigeria’s highest-ranked athlete following her brilliant silver-medal performance at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.
The 28-year-old hurdler, who is the world record holder, surged from ninth to third after earning 1,430 points, placing her just behind the United States’ Grace Stark (1st) and new world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland (2nd).
Tobi Amusan also made a stunning leap in the overall women’s global rankings, rising 40 places from 68th to 28th.
She became the only Nigerian woman inside the top 100 after Favour Ofili dropped out following her change of allegiance to Turkey and absence from the Championships.
Speaking after her race in Tokyo, Tobi Amusan shared her pride in flying the Nigerian flag:
“I feel proud and honoured to represent Nigeria. Winning silver at this stage means a lot. I always give my best for my country.”
Amusan clocked 12.29 seconds to finish second behind Kambundji, who claimed gold in a Swiss national record of 12.24s. Stark took bronze in 12.34s.
Nathaniel Breaks New Ground in Men’s Rankings
Another major mover was Ezekiel Nathaniel, who soared from 59th to 15th in the men’s overall rankings after a historic 400m hurdles campaign in Tokyo.
The 22-year-old NCAA champion broke the Nigerian record five times in 2025 and became only the second Nigerian to reach the World Championships final since 1987.
Although he remains fifth in the event rankings, his points rose from 1,409 to 1,450.
Ajayi’s Breakthrough: From 417th to 171st Globally
Nigerian Sprinter, Kanyinsola Ajayi produced one of the most remarkable leaps in the latest update.
The 21-year-old Auburn University star moved from 29th to 13th in the men’s 100m rankings after clocking a personal best of 9.88 seconds to finish sixth in the Tokyo final.
Overall, Ajayi climbed an astonishing 246 places from 417th to 171st globally. His time makes him the fastest Nigerian in World Championships history and the seventh Nigerian ever to contest a 100m final.
His compatriot Isreal Okon rose to 38th in the 100m rankings and 550th overall, while Udodi Onwuzurike jumped from 30th to 25th in the 200m standings, cementing Nigeria’s strong presence in sprinting events.
Enekwechi Cracks Global Top 100 After Strong Shot Put Finish
In the field events, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi moved up to 99th overall after finishing fifth in the men’s shot put in Tokyo.
He improved his score from 1,368 to 1,373 points and now sits seventh in the event rankings.
The 32-year-old made history earlier this season when he became the first African to throw beyond 22m, achieving a mark of 22.10m at the Prefontaine Classic in May.
Mixed Fortunes for Other Nigerian Athletes
Elsewhere, Nigeria experienced a range of outcomes:
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Chidi Okezie ranked 32nd in the men’s 400m and 527th overall.
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Samuel Ogazi sits 38th and 614th globally in the same event.
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Long jumper Charles Godfred is ranked 38th in his discipline and 825th overall.
For the women:
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Ese Brume, once world No. 2, is now 28th in the long jump and 800th overall.
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Rising star Prestina Ochonogor sits 42nd and 1,326th globally.
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Discus throwers Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons and Obiageri Amaechi rank 25th and 30th in their events.
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Sade Olatoye is 32nd in hammer throw and 1,660th overall.
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Rosemary Chukwuma ranks 57th in the 100m and 750th overall.
