Nigeria’s world record holder, Tobi Amusan, will begin her quest for a third African women’s 100 metres hurdles title as the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships kick off in Accra, Ghana.
The continental competition officially opens today at the University of Ghana, with some of Africa’s top athletes expected to compete across several track and field events.
Amusan heads into the championship as one of the biggest stars of the tournament after building an impressive record on the African stage.
Amusan Targets Another Continental Triumph
The Nigerian hurdler has already won five gold medals at the African Championships across individual and relay events.
She claimed the women’s 100m hurdles and 4x100m relay titles at the 2018 championships in Asaba before repeating the double in Mauritius in 2022. She also added another relay gold medal at Douala 2024.
Although she skipped the individual hurdles event in Douala for personal reasons, Amusan still featured in the relay competition.
This year, however, the Nigerian star returns with renewed focus as she attempts to reclaim the continental hurdles crown.
For athletics updates and championship details, visit Confederation of African Athletics.
Nigerian Teammates Also in Contention
While Amusan enters the event as the favourite, fellow Nigerians Adaobi Tabugbo and Janet Sunday will also compete in the women’s 100m hurdles.
Tabugbo already has experience at the continental level after finishing fifth in the event at Douala 2024. She also won relay gold alongside Amusan during the competition.
The Nigerian hurdler arrives in Accra with a strong personal best of 12.87 seconds, placing her among the country’s fastest athletes in the event.
Sunday, on the other hand, will make her senior international debut. The young athlete recorded a personal best of 13.67 seconds during the AFN Golden League in Benin earlier this year.
Morrison, Fourie Among Key Rivals
Liberia’s Ebony Morrison enters the championships as the defending African champion after winning gold in Douala with a championship record time of 12.7 seconds.
South Africa’s Marione Fourie and Madagascar’s Sidonie Fiadanantsoa are also expected to challenge strongly for medals.
The women’s 100m hurdles heats will take place at 5:30pm today, while the final is scheduled for the second day of the championships.
Amusan Set for Diamond League Return
After the African Championships, Amusan will quickly shift attention to the 2026 Diamond League season opener in Shanghai.
The race is expected to feature a world-class field, including reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji, Olympic champion Masai Russell, Jamaica’s Danielle Williams, and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Amusan still holds the women’s 100m hurdles world record of 12.12 seconds, a mark she set during her historic run at the World Championships.
