Tobi Amusan claims third straight African hurdles title as Nigeria opens gold medal account in Accra

Tobi Amusan has once again asserted her dominance on the continental stage, winning her third consecutive women’s 100m hurdles title at the 2026 African Athletics Championships on Wednesday at the Legon Sports Stadium.

The world record holder powered to victory in 12.83 seconds, securing Nigeria’s first gold medal of the competition and setting the tone for a strong Day 2 performance by Team Nigeria in Accra.

Amusan, who had earlier posted the fastest qualifying time of 12.82 seconds in the heats, delivered another composed performance in the final, pulling away after the third hurdle to leave the field chasing.

The silver medal went to Zimbabwe’s Ashley Miller in 13.24 seconds, while Nigeria’s Adaobi Tabugbo claimed bronze in 13.26 seconds—her first senior international podium finish.

Following the race, Amusan said the victory was about national pride as much as personal achievement.

“The goal is always to represent Nigeria with pride and keep the flag flying,” she said. “I am happy to secure this third title and to see my teammate on the podium. It’s a great day for Nigerian hurdles.”

Amusan’s win triggered a broader medal surge for Nigeria, as the country went on to collect six medals on the day, including another gold in the mixed 4x400m relay.

The quartet of Ezekiel Asuquo, Toheebat Jimoh, Victor Sampson, and Patience Okon-George won in 3:16.41, edging out strong challenges from Botswana and Kenya.

Other notable performances included silver medals in the women’s 100m and hammer throw, as well as a bronze in the men’s 100m, underlining Nigeria’s depth across track and field events.

The latest victory further cements Amusan’s reputation as the continent’s most dominant sprint hurdler, extending a title streak that began at previous African Championships in Asaba and Port Louis.

Her triumph also reinforces Nigeria’s strong start at the championships, which are being hosted in Ghana for the first time at a renovated Legon Sports Stadium widely praised for its fast track conditions.

Amusan is expected to return later in the competition as part of Nigeria’s 4x100m relay squad, as Team Nigeria looks to build on its early momentum.

For now, however, the African women’s 100m hurdles crown remains firmly in her possession, as the “Queen of the Hurdles” continues to define the event on the continent.