Tobi Amusan delivered Nigeria’s first gold medal at the ongoing African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana, after winning the women’s 100m hurdles final on Wednesday.
The world record holder dominated the race to secure her third African Championships title, continuing her strong record on the continent.
Her victory also lifted Team Nigeria’s medal tally as the competition entered Day Two.
Compatriot Adaobi Tabugbo added to Nigeria’s success by finishing third in the same event to claim bronze, while Ashley Miller prevented a Nigerian one-two finish.
ALSO READ: Team Nigeria wins first medals at African Athletics Championship
Amusan’s gold medal was presented by Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, following another commanding outing from the Nigerian hurdler.
The official time for the final was yet to be released as of press time due to technical issues affecting the championships. Organisers have faced criticism over problems linked to the timing system, lack of live results, incomplete race data without wind readings and inconsistent disqualifications.
Despite the challenges, Amusan remained the standout athlete in the event after recording the fastest times in both the heats and semi-finals before sealing victory in the final.
Speaking with journalists earlier at the championships, Amusan encouraged younger athletes to remain confident in pursuing their ambitions despite doubts from others.
“Don’t let anyone talk fear into your dreams. I remember when I started hurdling, I heard a lot of ‘Oh, nobody is going to do well as a hurdler from Africa.’ And guess who is the World Record holder: me,” Tobi said.
The women’s hurdles medals pushed Nigeria’s total to four ahead of the finals of the men’s and women’s 100m events later on Wednesday.
Nigeria had opened its campaign on Tuesday with two medals in the women’s discus event, where Divine Oladipo won silver and Obiageri Amaechi claimed bronze.
Oladipo’s medal came in her first international outing for Nigeria following her switch from Great Britain, while Amaechi maintained Nigeria’s presence on the podium with a third-place finish.
