Nigeria’s Rising Stars Secure Spots in 2025 World Athletics Championships
The Nigerian track and field contingent continues to expand its presence at the upcoming 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, with Temitope Adeshina and Tima Godbless becoming the latest athletes to secure their spots on the prestigious global stage. Their remarkable performances over the weekend in the United States have solidified their positions among the nation’s top competitors and raised expectations for a strong showing in Tokyo.
Adeshina’s leap to victory in the women’s high jump at the Big 12 Outdoor Championships was nothing short of spectacular. Matching her personal best of 1.97m, she not only clinched the gold medal but also set a new meet record. More importantly, her impressive jump met the automatic qualifying standard for the World Championships, scheduled for September 13–21 in the Japanese capital. This achievement marks a resurgence for the 26-year-old athlete, placing her firmly among the elite high jumpers vying for top honors in Tokyo.
Meanwhile, on the track, Godbless showcased her sprinting prowess at the Southeastern Conference Outdoor Championships. Representing Louisiana State University, she blazed to a season’s best time of 11.06s in the women’s 100m final. While she finished a close second to South Carolina’s JaMeesia Ford, who clocked the same time, Godbless’s performance comfortably met the World Championship entry requirement of 11.07s. This achievement secured her a second individual event slot in Tokyo, adding to her previous qualification in the 200m event.
Godbless’s journey to the World Championships began in April at the Tom Jones Memorial meet in Florida, where she clocked an impressive 22.55s in the 200m, just inside the qualifying standard of 22.57s. Her qualification in both the 100m and 200m events puts her in an exclusive club alongside fellow Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili, underscoring the depth of talent within the Nigerian women’s sprinting ranks.
With the addition of Adeshina and Godbless, the Nigerian contingent heading to Tokyo is shaping up to be a formidable force. The team now boasts a diverse array of athletes across various disciplines, including reigning world champion Tobi Amusan, Ezekiel Nathaniel, Samuel Ogazi, Ella Onojuvwevwo, and Kayinsola Ajayi. Ofili has also qualified for both the 100m and 200m sprints, while Nathaniel and Ogazi have met the qualifying standards in both the 400m and 400m hurdles. Onojuvwevwo secured her spot in the women’s 400m, and Ajayi impressed with a sub-10 second performance in the men’s 100m, further bolstering Nigeria’s sprinting hopes.
The World Athletics Championships, returning to Tokyo after a 34-year hiatus since its last hosting in 1991, promises to be a spectacular showcase of athletic prowess. The nine-day event will bring together over 2,000 athletes from approximately 200 countries to compete across 49 disciplines. Nigeria’s growing contingent will undoubtedly be aiming to make a significant impact on the global stage, building on the nation’s rich track and field heritage.
The qualification of these athletes underscores the continued growth and development of track and field in Nigeria. Their dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to excellence have paved the way for their success on the international stage. As they prepare for the challenges ahead, the Nigerian contingent carries the hopes and aspirations of a nation eager to witness their athletes shine on the world’s biggest athletic platform. The 2025 World Athletics Championships will be a defining moment for these athletes, a chance to etch their names in history and solidify Nigeria’s position as a force to be reckoned with in the world of athletics.
