The Nigerian High Commission in Tokyo, on Saturday hosted the Nigerian contingent to the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Japan.
Nigeria’s participation at the Championship ended on Friday, after Ezekiel Nathaniel competed in the men’s 400m Hurdles event, finishing 4th in 47.11s, and missing on the podium .
Team Nigeria’s only medal at the Championships was Tobi Amusan’s silver winning effort in the 100m hurdles.
Despite picking only one medal, which was an improvement on Budapest 2023, there are some positives to take away from, even though how Nigeria failed to qualify for any of the five relays will remain a talking point for long.
Nigeria has never failed to qualify for the relays since the inaugural edition of the worlds in 1983 till this 20th edition.
However the 6th place finish of Kanyi Ajayi in the 100m final,which was the first time Nigeria was making the final since 2007, in addition to his deeping under 10 seconds twice are encouraging.
The final appearance of Nathaniel in the final of the 400m hurdles and breaking of the national record is equally heartwarming.
The issue however remains whether the Athletics Federation of Nigeria will build on these performances through proper welfare for the athletes, and giving them a pride of place to feel happy and motivated to continue to represent Nigeria.
