Tobi Amusan’s bid for a third consecutive African title ended abruptly as she failed to appear for the women’s 100m hurdles heats at the CAA African Senior Championship in Douala, Cameroon on Friday.
Amusan, the reigning world record holder, was aiming for her third straight gold medal following victories in Asaba (2018) and Mauritius (2022). However, reports indicate that illness prevented her from competing.
Christopher Maduewesi of Making of Champions, who is on-site in Douala, shared on social media: “I have been told by Nigerian officials in Douala that Tobi Amusan did not run in the 100m Hurdles because she is very ill at the moment. Yes, she is in Cameroon, but she is not feeling fine and couldn’t have competed in that condition.”
Earlier, Maduewesi reported that Amusan had to travel by road from Benin City, where she won her fourth national title on Monday, to Benin Republic to catch a flight to Douala.
Had she competed and won, Amusan would have joined Maria Usifo and Glory Alozie as the only athletes with three consecutive African titles in the women’s 100m hurdles.
Despite Amusan’s absence, Nigeria still has representation in the final, with Adaobi Tabugo securing her place in the event.
