On August 27, 2025, Nigeria’s world record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan, announced her withdrawal from the final of this year’s Diamond League in Zurich, a surprising decision that has sparked discussions about her preparation for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo. Amusan, who qualified for the Zurich final as the second-best athlete in her discipline with 27 points, holds the meet record of 12.29 seconds, set in September 2022 when she claimed her second of three consecutive Diamond League titles (2021–2023). Her withdrawal paves the way for Bahamas’ Devynne Charlton to compete alongside a strong field, including reigning world champion Danielle Williams, Ackera Nugent, Nadine Visser, Ditaji Kambundji, Selina von Jackowski, Tonea Marshall, Grace Stark, and Kendra Harrison. Meanwhile, Nigerian athletes Ezekiel Nathaniel and Udodi Onwuzurike are set to represent the country in the men’s 400m hurdles and 200m events, respectively, showcasing Nigeria’s growing prowess in global athletics. This article explores Amusan’s withdrawal, the rise of Nathaniel and Onwuzurike, the significance of the Diamond League, and the broader context of Nigerian athletics on the world stage.
Tobi Amusan’s Withdrawal: A Strategic Move?
Tobi Amusan’s decision to withdraw from the Zurich Diamond League final has drawn significant attention, given her status as one of the world’s premier hurdlers. The 28-year-old Nigerian athlete, who holds the world record in the women’s 100m hurdles with a time of 12.12 seconds, set in 2022, has been a dominant force in the sport. Her withdrawal comes after a fifth-place finish in the Lausanne Diamond League on August 20, 2025, where she recorded a time of 12.82 seconds, appearing to stumble on the first hurdle. This performance, one of her slower times in recent years, may have influenced her decision to prioritize recovery and preparation for the World Championships in Tokyo, scheduled for September 2025.
Amusan’s withdrawal is likely a strategic move to ensure she is in peak physical and mental condition for the global championship, where she aims to reclaim the world title she won in 2022. The World Championships represent a critical opportunity for Amusan to solidify her legacy as one of the greatest hurdlers in history, and avoiding injury or fatigue is paramount. The Zurich Diamond League final, while prestigious, is part of a season-long series, and Amusan’s absence allows her to focus on long-term goals rather than immediate competition.
Her decision also reflects the physical and mental demands of elite athletics. The Diamond League, a premier series of track and field meetings organized by World Athletics, requires athletes to compete at the highest level across multiple events, often with little recovery time. Amusan’s stumble in Lausanne may have been a wake-up call, prompting her to reassess her training and competition schedule to ensure optimal performance in Tokyo. By withdrawing, she is prioritizing her health and career longevity, a decision that aligns with the growing emphasis on athlete well-being in professional sports.
The Zurich Diamond League Final: A Competitive Field
Amusan’s withdrawal opens the door for a highly competitive field in the women’s 100m hurdles at the Zurich Diamond League final. The event, scheduled for August 28, 2025, features a formidable lineup, including Bahamas’ Devynne Charlton, who replaces Amusan, reigning world champion Danielle Williams and her Jamaican compatriot Ackera Nugent, Dutch hurdler Nadine Visser, Swiss athletes Ditaji Kambundji and Selina von Jackowski, and the American trio of Tonea Marshall, Grace Stark, and Kendra Harrison. This diverse and talented field underscores the global appeal of the Diamond League and the depth of competition in the women’s 100m hurdles.
Amusan’s absence is notable, given her meet record of 12.29 seconds, set in 2022, which remains a benchmark for the event. Her three consecutive Diamond League titles from 2021 to 2023 highlight her dominance, and her withdrawal creates an opportunity for other athletes to claim the spotlight. Danielle Williams, who won the world title in 2023, is a strong contender, while Kendra Harrison, a former world record holder, adds further intensity to the competition. The inclusion of emerging talents like Nugent and Charlton ensures that the final will be a thrilling showcase of speed, technique, and resilience.
The Diamond League’s Zurich event, known as the Weltklasse Zürich, is one of the most prestigious meetings in the series, attracting top athletes and global audiences. The women’s 100m hurdles final is expected to be a highlight, with athletes vying for the Diamond Trophy and a share of the prize money. Amusan’s absence, while disappointing for fans, sets the stage for an unpredictable and exciting race, showcasing the depth of talent in the discipline.
Ezekiel Nathaniel: Rising Star in the Men’s 400m Hurdles
While Amusan’s withdrawal is a setback for Nigeria, the country’s athletics prospects remain bright, with Ezekiel Nathaniel and Udodi Onwuzurike competing in the Zurich Diamond League final. Nathaniel, the African record holder in the men’s 400m hurdles, is set to compete in the event, following his first professional career win at the Lausanne Diamond League on August 20, 2025, where he clocked an impressive 48.08 seconds. This victory marked a significant milestone for the 25-year-old, who has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most promising track athletes.
Nathaniel’s rise reflects Nigeria’s growing influence in global athletics, particularly in hurdles events. The 400m hurdles, a demanding discipline that combines speed, endurance, and technical precision, has seen increasing Nigerian representation, with Nathaniel leading the charge. His African record, set earlier in 2025, underscores his potential to compete with the world’s best, including Olympic medalists like Karsten Warholm of Norway and Rai Benjamin of the United States. The Zurich final offers Nathaniel an opportunity to build on his Lausanne success and position himself as a contender for the World Championships.
Nathaniel’s participation in Zurich highlights the importance of consistency and exposure in elite athletics. The Diamond League provides a platform for athletes to test their skills against top competition, gaining valuable experience that can translate to major championships. For Nathaniel, a strong performance in Zurich could boost his confidence and rankings, setting the stage for a podium finish in Tokyo.
Udodi Onwuzurike: A New Face in the Men’s 200m
Udodi Onwuzurike, another Nigerian athlete, will compete in the men’s 200m final in Zurich, following his Diamond League debut in Lausanne the previous week. Onwuzurike’s inclusion in the prestigious event signals his rapid rise in the sprinting world, where he is emerging as a talent to watch. The men’s 200m, a highly competitive event featuring athletes like Noah Lyles and Letsile Tebogo, offers Onwuzurike a chance to showcase his speed and gain international recognition.
Onwuzurike’s debut in Lausanne, where he competed against a strong field, demonstrated his potential to compete at the elite level. His participation in Zurich reflects the growing depth of Nigerian talent in sprinting, a discipline historically dominated by American and Jamaican athletes. By competing in the Diamond League, Onwuzurike is gaining exposure and experience that will be critical for his development as he prepares for the World Championships and future Olympic cycles.
The Significance of the Diamond League
The Diamond League, established in 2010, is the premier series of track and field meetings, featuring 14 events across Europe, Asia, and North America. The Zurich final is one of two culminating events, alongside Brussels, where athletes compete for the Diamond Trophy and significant prize money. The series is a critical platform for athletes to showcase their skills, earn points, and prepare for major championships like the World Championships and Olympics.
For Nigerian athletes, the Diamond League represents an opportunity to compete on the global stage, gain visibility, and attract sponsorships. Amusan’s success in the series, with three consecutive titles, has elevated Nigeria’s profile in athletics, inspiring a new generation of athletes like Nathaniel and Onwuzurike. The presence of multiple Nigerian athletes in Zurich underscores the country’s growing influence in track and field, particularly in hurdles and sprints.
The Diamond League also plays a critical role in promoting gender equality in athletics. The inclusion of both men’s and women’s events, with equal prize money and media coverage, ensures that athletes like Amusan, Williams, and Charlton receive the recognition they deserve. Nigeria’s investment in women’s athletics, exemplified by Amusan’s achievements, has contributed to this trend, with female athletes increasingly dominating the country’s track and field landscape.
The Broader Context: Nigerian Athletics on the Global Stage
Nigeria’s athletics program has made significant strides in recent years, driven by talents like Amusan, Blessing Oborududu, and Ese Brume. The country’s success in hurdles, sprints, and field events reflects investments in training, coaching, and infrastructure, supported by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and private sponsors. However, challenges such as limited funding, inadequate facilities, and bureaucratic inefficiencies continue to hinder progress.
Amusan’s withdrawal highlights the importance of athlete welfare and strategic planning in a demanding sport. The AFN and other stakeholders must prioritize recovery and injury prevention to ensure that athletes like Amusan, Nathaniel, and Onwuzurike can compete at their best. Partnerships with international organizations, such as World Athletics, can provide access to advanced training facilities and sports science expertise, enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness.
The World Championships in Tokyo, scheduled for September 2025, represent a critical opportunity for Nigeria to build on its Olympic successes in 2024, where Amusan and others competed strongly. A strong performance in Tokyo could further elevate Nigeria’s status as a track and field powerhouse, inspiring young athletes and attracting investment in the sport.
Challenges and Opportunities for Nigerian Athletes
Nigerian athletes face several challenges, including limited access to world-class facilities and the high cost of international competition. Many athletes, like Amusan, train abroad to access better resources, highlighting the need for domestic investment in sports infrastructure. The government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes youth development, could provide a framework for addressing these gaps through funding for training centers and scholarships.
Economic challenges, such as Nigeria’s 34.2 percent inflation rate as of July 2025, also impact athletes, who often rely on personal funds or sponsorships to compete. The government and private sector must collaborate to provide financial support, ensuring that athletes can focus on training and competition without financial stress.
Despite these challenges, opportunities abound. The global popularity of athletics, amplified by events like the Diamond League, offers Nigerian athletes a platform to attract sponsorships and build personal brands. Social media platforms like X enable athletes to engage with fans and share their journeys, as seen with Amusan’s active online presence. The success of Nathaniel and Onwuzurike in Zurich could further boost Nigeria’s visibility, paving the way for more athletes to compete at the elite level.
Conclusion
Tobi Amusan’s withdrawal from the Zurich Diamond League final on August 28, 2025, reflects a strategic focus on the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo, where she aims to reclaim her global title. Her absence creates an opportunity for a competitive field, including Devynne Charlton, Danielle Williams, and others, to vie for the Diamond Trophy. Meanwhile, Nigerian athletes Ezekiel Nathaniel and Udodi Onwuzurike are set to shine in the men’s 400m hurdles and 200m, showcasing the country’s growing talent pool.
The Diamond League’s significance as a global platform underscores Nigeria’s rising influence in athletics, driven by investments in training and the success of athletes like Amusan. While challenges such as funding and infrastructure persist, the opportunities for Nigerian athletes to compete and inspire are immense. As Nathaniel and Onwuzurike take the stage in Zurich, they carry the hopes of a nation eager to see its athletes excel on the global stage, building on Amusan’s legacy and paving the way for future triumphs.
