Ofili, Akintola Eye Places In 200 Meters Semis: Amusan's Title Defence Gather Momentum

August, 23 2023.

Nigeria's world record holder in the women's 100 meters hurdles, Oluwatobi Amusan will be back on the tracks tonight, to continue the defence of the title she won in Eugene Oregon, USA, last year.

The reigning World Champion in the same event, easily won Heat 5 of the 100 meters hurdles on Tuesday, with a time of 12:48 Secs, a massive :24 Seconds off the pace set by Kendra Harrison of the USA.

The quest by Amusan and the other 23 semifinalists for places in the final is scheduled for 7.45pm tonight, in Budapest, Hungary; www.ckdmedia.ng reports.

Other activities involving Team Nigeria's athletes on Day 5 World Athletics Championships, is the Heats of women's 200 meters, where Favour Ofili in Heat 1, will fly the banner of Nigeria, starting from 10:20am.

Another Nigerian, Alaba Akintola will also be on the tracks to competing in the men's 200 meters and he will do so in Heat 7, which is billed to spike off at 11:15am.

Following a Launch break, the Championships will resume for the Afternoon Session, but both Nigerians listed to compete will have to wait a little longer before their events start.

First of the two is Sade Olatoye, who will take to the field in Group B of the Women's Hammer Throw at 7:35pm, looking to qualify for the final.

The Show-stopper from Nigeria's perspective, will be the appearance of Team Nigeria's Poster Girl , Tobi Amusan on the tracks at 7:45pm for the semi-final event of the 100mH.

The start-list for the event is still pending, but Amusan who yesterday rightly aimed a jibe at a section of the Nigerian sports journalists for being unwholesome, before giving her fans reassurances that she is not hurdling under any extra pressure, knows that she got a lot of room for improvement.

Her world record set in Eugene, Oregon, USA is 12:12 Seconds and her winning time for the title is 12:06 Secs (chalked-off because of a strong trail wind), and even prior to her provisional suspension by the AIU, which was lifted on Thursday following a successful appeal, she had a Season's Best time of 12:34 Seconds.