Tobi Amusan Withdraws from 23rd Senior Athletics Championship in Douala

In a surprising turn of events at the ongoing 23rd Senior Athletics Championship in Douala, Cameroon, Nigerian sprint hurdler Toby Amusan, known affectionately as "Tobi Express," has been forced to withdraw from competition due to health concerns.

Tobi, who recently triumphed in the Women's 100m Hurdles Final at the National Trials in Benin City, Edo State, had been eagerly anticipated to continue her winning streak in Douala. Her absence from the 100m Hurdles Semi-final is attributed to a diagnosed sore throat, which has sidelined her ambitions of securing a third consecutive victory in the event at the African Athletics Championships.

The World 100m Hurdles Champion was poised to join the esteemed ranks of Maria Usifo and Glory Alozie, who hold the record for three consecutive wins in the history of the Championships, having clinched victories in 2018 and 2022.

Nigeria's national team in Douala had initially taken an early lead on the medal table, buoyed by successes such as gold medals in the men's Shot Put and women's Discus events, as well as a silver and bronze in the women's Discus throw.

Despite Tobi's setback, Team Nigeria remains optimistic about their prospects, with athletes scheduled to compete in eight finals today.