AFN confirms Amusan, Brume, others for national athletics trials in Lagos
By Tosin Omojola –
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has confirmed the participation of several top athletes, including world record holder Tobi Amusan and long jumper Ese Brume, in the forthcoming national athletics trials scheduled to hold from August 1 to 3, 2025, at the Yabatech Sports Complex in Lagos.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Secretary General of the Federation, Mr. Israel Inwang, as part of preparations for Nigeria’s participation in upcoming international championships.
Organised under the leadership of the AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, the trials will serve as the final selection platform for Nigerian athletes competing in the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Region 2 Championships in Ghana, the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, and the Islamic Games. It also aims to provide an opportunity for athletes to improve their national rankings and personal bests.
Athletes are expected to arrive in Lagos on July 31, with competitions running for three days. Departure is scheduled for August 4.
Among the high-profile athletes expected to compete are Amusan, who is seeking to reclaim her world title in the women’s 100m hurdles, and Brume, a consistent medalist in global long jump events. Rising sprint talent Tima Godbless and several foreign-based athletes are also listed to compete.
The men’s category will feature top contenders such as shot put specialist Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, 400m hurdler Nathaniel Ezekiel, and sprinter Udodi Onwuzurike, all of whom are looking to secure their places on Team Nigeria’s squad to Tokyo.
Athletes who have already qualified for the World Championships—either by meeting entry standards or through global rankings—include Tima Godbless, Rosemary Chukwuma, Kelly Ufodiama, Ella Onojuvwevwo, Temitope Adeshina, Ese Brume, and Favour Ofili.
However, Ofili’s potential appearance at the trials remains uncertain amid ongoing media speculation regarding a possible switch of allegiance from Nigeria to Turkey.
