Nigeria Awaits AIU Decision on Amusan for 2023 World Championships: What You Need to Know

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria is currently anticipating a decision from the Athletics Integrity Unit regarding Tobi Amusan, the world record holder in the Women’s 100m Hurdles. This ruling is expected within the next six days, just prior to the commencement of the 2023 World Championships scheduled to take place in Budapest, Hungary, from August 19 to 27.

There is uncertainty surrounding Amusan’s ability to defend her title, which she secured in Oregon last year, due to her provisional suspension by the AIU last month. This suspension was imposed after she missed three testing appointments.

On Tuesday, the AFN unveiled the roster of athletes designated to compete on behalf of the nation at the championships. Surprisingly, the world champion’s name was absent from the list, even though her name had been submitted to World Athletics by the AFN. 

Additionally, World Athletics included her name among the athletes for the Games on Thursday, yet this inclusion remains contingent upon the pending AIU ruling.

Amusan’s name absent from AFN’s list

On Tuesday, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) announced the selection of athletes set to represent the country at the upcoming championships. Notably, the world champion’s name was conspicuously absent from this list, despite having been initially submitted to World Athletics by the AFN. Furthermore, World Athletics included her name among the roster of athletes for the Games on Thursday, pending the outcome of the ongoing AIU ruling.

He also mentioned that the 26 athletes selected to represent the country at the championships will not undergo a formal training camp. Instead, they will gather in Budapest to finalize their preparations.

Many of them have their own individual coaches, with whom we grant them the freedom to train. All participants will be in Budapest well in advance of the competition’s commencement.”