By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Nigeria’s athletics team concluded a successful campaign at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship held in Budapest, Hungary, collectively earning $130,000 in prize money. The championship, which featured the world’s top athletes competing for a record $10 million prize fund, showcased Nigeria’s strong presence on the global stage.
Tobi Amusan was the standout star for Nigeria, clinching a silver medal in the women’s 100m hurdles with a time of 12.34 seconds. She finished just behind American Masai Russell, who won gold in 12.22 seconds, while the Netherlands’ Nadine Visser took bronze in 12.39 seconds. Amusan’s impressive runner-up finish earned her $75,000, the highest individual prize for the Nigerian team.
Other notable performances included Kayinsola Ajayi, who finished fourth in the men’s 100m, securing $25,000. Ezekiel Nathaniel placed sixth in the men’s 400m hurdles, earning $14,000, while Udodi Onwuzurike finished eighth in the men’s 200m, taking home $10,000. Ella Onojuvwevwo rounded off Nigeria’s prize earnings with a 12th-place finish in the women’s 400m, earning $6,000.
The championship, hosted over three days at the National Athletics Centre in Budapest, introduced a new head-to-head competition format designed by World Athletics, attracting elite competitors from across the globe.
The combined prize money of $130,000 highlights Nigeria’s competitive edge and promising talent in the world of athletics.
