Nigerian Stars Seek World Athletics Ultimate Champs Glory

Nigeria’s leading track and field athletes will begin their campaign at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, Hungary, as the country targets podium finishes against the world’s best.

The three-day championship, scheduled for September 11 to 13, brings together Olympic champions, world champions, Diamond League winners and the leading performers of the 2026 season.

Former world record holder Tobi Amusan headlines Nigeria’s women’s contingent and will compete in the women’s 100m hurdles as well as the mixed 4x100m relay.

Amusan will be joined by sprint sensation Kanyinsola Ajayi, who will contest the men’s 100m, while Udodi Onwuzurike will represent Nigeria in the men’s 200m and mixed relay.

Other Nigerian athletes include Samuel Ogazi, Ella Onojuwvevwo and Ezekiel Nathaniel, who will compete in their respective individual events.

Nigeria will also field a mixed 4x100m relay team drawn from a pool that includes Alaba Akintola, Favour Ashe, Miracle Ezechukwu, Rosemary Chigozie and Jennifer Obi Chukwuka.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria has expressed confidence in the squad, describing it as a blend of experience, speed and youthful talent capable of making an impact in Budapest.

The competition represents a major test for the Nigerian athletes, with the field featuring some of the biggest names in global athletics.

The championship is also offering an unprecedented financial incentive. A record $10 million prize purse is available, with each individual event champion receiving $150,000.

Unlike the traditional World Athletics Championships, the Ultimate Championship has been designed as a compact three-day event, with several disciplines going directly into finals or using a shortened competition format.

World Athletics says the event is intended to determine the sport’s ultimate champions by bringing the leading athletes of the season together in direct competition.

For Nigeria, the championship provides another opportunity for its established stars and emerging talents to test themselves against elite international opposition.

Amusan’s experience and Ajayi’s sprinting form will be among the country’s major talking points, while Nathaniel, Ogazi and Onojuwvevwo will seek to make their mark in their respective events.

With the competition beginning Friday, Nigeria will hope its star-studded contingent can convert its quality into medals and establish a strong presence at the first edition of the new global athletics showcase.