Tobi Amusan and Ezekiel Nathaniel lead 15 star-studded Nigerian athletes for World Championships in Tokyo

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has released a strong list of 15 athletes for the World Championships in Tokyo, heralded by Tobi Amusan and Ezekiel Nathaniel.

With the championships scheduled to hold from Saturday, September 13 to Sunday, September 21, these athletes will don Nigerian colours in 13 events, gunning to win medals and bring honour to the country.

World record holder in the women's 100mH Amusan will aim to regain a podium placement from her historic moment in 2022.

While in the men's 400m Hurdles, Nathaniel will fancy his chances of not just getting to the final but challenging for a medal, having had a breakout 2025 season.

In the men's 100m, college standouts Kanyinsola Ajayi and Israel Okon have a chance of making personal history by getting to the final and become Nigeria's first male 100m finalist at the world championships since Osaka 2007 when Olusoji Fasuba finished fourth behind Tyson Gay, Derrick Atkins, and Asafa Powell.

And as Nigeria's sole representative in the women's category, Rosemary Chukwuma will hope for the same measure of feat.

The men's 400m will have rising star Samuel Ogazi and veteran Chidi Okezie, and the men's 200m will feature former world junior champion Udodi Onwuzurike.

African record holder in the men's shot put Chukwuebuka Enekwchi has been listed in his trademark event, while Chioma Onyekwere and Obiageri Amarchi will compete in the women's Discus throw.

The long jump has familiar names Ese Brume and youngster Prestina Ochonogor, and Charles Godfred is set for the men's long jump. While Sade Olatoye completes the list in the women's Hammer Throw.