African athletics: Golden girl Tobi Amusan leads the charge as Nigeria sweeps Ghana

All eyes will be on Tobi Amusan as the world record holder begins her quest for a third African 100 meters hurdles title at the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana.

At the six-day competition, held at the University of Ghana, the focus is on Nigeria’s sprint hurdle queen, whose dominance continues to redefine African athletics.

A legacy written but Tobi Amusan is not done

Amusan arrives in Accra with an intimidating resume:

• World record holder (12.12s)
• Five-time African champion (in individual and relay events)

His previous continental triumphs include:

• Double gold (100 m hurdles and 4×100 m relay) in Asaba 2018
• Another double in Mauritius 2022
• Gold relay in Douala 2024

She was expected to chase a third individual hurdles crown in Douala, but He did not compete in the event due to personal reasons.focusing instead on relief tasks.

Now he’s back and he’s hungry.

With rivals lurking, is Amusan still the favorite?

While Amusan is the clear favorite, the field is not without threats.

Reigning champion:

• ebony morrison — championship record holder (12.7 s)

Other contenders include:

• Marione Fourie
• Sidonie Fiadanantsoa

And closer to home, Nigeria itself:

• Adaobi Tabugbo (PB: 12.87s)
• janet sunday (PB: 13.67s)

Tabugbo, who placed fifth in Douala and already has a relay gold with Amusan, seems the most likely challenger within the Nigerian team.

Racing calendar: The road to gold

• Warm up: Day 1 – 5:30 pm
• End: Day 2 – 4:45 pm

A quick change. There is no margin for error.

Nigeria arrives with firepower

Nigeria has landed in Ghana with a contingent of 41 athletes (17 men, 24 women), competing in 26 events.

Main names include:

• rosemary chukwuma
• please ashe
• Chidi Okezie
• Obiageri Amaechi
• Oyesade Olatoye

However, the team has suffered key absences:

• Chukwuebuka Enekwechi (retired)
• Jessica Oji (discarded)
• Jami Schlüter (visa problems)

AFN President Tonobok Okowa had previously acknowledged the logistical obstacles:

“We are looking at how soon we can get some of the overseas-based athletes visas to leave the United States and return to the United States.”

“We are also looking at that, especially for those who were born there and are currently in Nigeria or those who have US passports.”

“Let’s see what’s going to happen in Ghana.”

Tobi Amusan- Beyond Accra

Amusan’s agenda doesn’t stop after Ghana.

Fair three days laterheads to China for the Diamond League opener in Shanghai, where they will face a packed global field that includes:

• Ditaji Kambundji
• masai russell
• Danielle Williams
• Devynne Charlton

With history at hand and expectations sky-high, this is not just another race for Tobi Amusan.

Is:

• An opportunity to regain continental dominance
• A launch pad for your 2026 global campaign
• And one more chapter in an already legendary career.