The 2025 World Athletics Championship is still ongoing in Tokyo. African representatives have so far done well, especially Kenya and Ethiopia. The two
The 2025 World Athletics Championship is still ongoing in Tokyo. African representatives have so far done well, especially Kenya and Ethiopia. The two Eastern African nations won medals on Day One and Day Two.
In the finals of the women’s 100m, Ivorian star Marie-Josee Ta LOU-SMITH finished 7th.
In the men’s finals, four Africans competed, with the South African duo Gift Leotla finishing 5th, making him the fastest African now. Kayinsola Ajayi of Nigeria finished 6th with Akani Simbine of South Africa and Letshile Tebogo of Botswana finishing 7th and 8th, respectively.
Nigeria was with full confidence ahead of the championship in Japan, a month before the competition, but hope was lost when the team for the competition was announced.
The West Africans are now facing outrage and ridicule following revelations that more sports administrators made the trip than athletes.
Nigeria have one of the best relay teams in Africa, but surprisingly failed to register a single relay team for the global event.
The news has sparked public outrage, and citizens are demanding answers.
Per multiple reports from the Nigerian media, 14 athletes were not registered to participate in events even though they qualified.
List of Athletes that failed to qualify
Among those left behind are Kelly Ufodima (200m), Tima God-Bless (100m & 200m), Ella Onojuvwevwo (400m), and Temitope Adeshina (High Jump).
The exclusion of qualified athletes is compounded by Nigeria’s failure to prepare and register its relay squads, denying dozens of sprinters and quarter-milers automatic entries.
Notable names affected include Alaba Akintola, Itsekiri Itseoritshe, Fakorede Adekalu, Olayinka Olajide, Justina Eyakpobayen, and members of the 4x100m, 4x400m, and Mixed Relay teams.
Nigeria will unbelievably not have a single relay team competing in Tokyo.
COMMENTS