By Kabiru Abdulrauf
When Tobi Amusan powered through the finish line to claim silver in the 100m hurdles at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, it wasn’t just a personal triumph it was a national statement. For the first time in years, Nigeria now ranks 3rd in the world athletics standings, a leap fueled not only by Amusan’s brilliance but also by the success of the country’s youth athletes, who stunned the world at the U20 Championships with four gold medals and three bronzes.
For many Nigerians, this achievement offers a rare moment of unity and celebration. “It’s about pride,” says Oluchi, a young sprinter training in Lagos. “When we see Tobi or our junior athletes winning medals, we believe that despite all our struggles, Nigeria can stand tall.” That belief carries weight in a country often burdened by economic uncertainty and political turbulence. Sports, it seems, remain one of the few arenas where hope consistently triumphs over hardship.
Yet, behind the medals lies a harder truth. Nigeria’s athletes often train in outdated facilities, with minimal government support and little corporate sponsorship. Amusan herself has spoken about battling financial and logistical challenges just to compete. The U20 athletes, many from rural towns, train with grit rather than world-class resources. Their success is a testament not to systems in place, but to individual determination and the power of raw talent.
Still, Nigeria’s leap in global rankings has put a spotlight on what could be. Sports analysts argue that with proper investment in training facilities, coaching, nutrition, and athlete welfare Nigeria could establish itself as a consistent powerhouse in world athletics.
Beyond medals, this would mean jobs, global recognition, and a generation of youth inspired to channel their energy into positive pursuits.
The symbolism is powerful. Just as Morocco’s Gen Z protests reveal a fight for dignity, Nigeria’s athletics triumph shows what happens when youth are given even a fraction of the platform they deserve. Amusan’s hurdles and the U20 relay teams’ sprints are not just about winning races; they are about showing a nation what is possible when resilience meets opportunity.
For now, Nigeria stands proudly on the global stage, bronze medal around its neck, but with the potential to reach gold if only the country commits to turning its athletes’ passion into a sustainable legacy.
