Okowa hails Amusan, Enekwechi after Glasgow medals

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Athletics Federation of Nigeria president, Chief Tonobok Okowa, has praised Tobi Amusan for battling through injury to win bronze in the women’s 100m hurdles at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, insisting Nigeria remains proud of the world record holder despite her failure to retain the title.

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Amusan clocked 12.60 seconds in Thursday’s final despite a knee injury, finishing behind Bahamas’ Devynne Charlton, who won gold in 12.33 seconds, and Jamaica’s Megan Simmonds, who took silver in 12.41 seconds.

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Okowa described Amusan as an ambassador who has consistently delivered for Nigeria, saying her injury denied her the chance to fight for another Commonwealth title.

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“Amusan is our ambassador; she has always delivered, but for her injury, missed the gold. We are still proud of her,” Okowa said.

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The AFN boss also hailed Chukwuebuka Enekwechi after the thrower won Nigeria’s first athletics gold of the Games with a 21.07m effort in the men’s shot put.

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“I feel very excited watching the two medal events. I’m happy Chukwuebuka delivered the gold medal as we begin the countdown to our medals target,” Okowa added.

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He credited the support of the AFN and National Sports Commission for motivating the athletes and expressed confidence that Nigeria will win more medals in the track and field events.

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“They were favourites in their events, and I’m happy the federation and the National Sports Commission have continued to support and motivate the athletes in camp to go for glory. I am confident we will win more medals in the track and field events,” he said.

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Amusan’s bronze ended her bid for a third consecutive Commonwealth 100m hurdles title, having won gold at Gold Coast 2018 and Birmingham 2022. Enekwechi’s gold, meanwhile, provided Nigeria with another strong start in the athletics medal race as the AFN looks forward to more success in Glasgow.

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