Nigeria’s sprint hurdles queen Tobi Amusan is set to kick off her 2026 Diamond League campaign in dramatic fashion as she heads to Shanghai just days after representing Nigeria at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana.
The world record holder will lead Nigeria’s contingent to the continental competition in Accra, where she is expected to compete in the women’s 100m hurdles event before turning attention to one of the biggest athletics meetings of the season in China.
Amusan enters the African Championships as one of Nigeria’s strongest medal contenders, having built an impressive record at the tournament over the years. The 28-year-old previously won gold medals in both the women’s 100m hurdles and 4x100m relay at the 2018 championships in Asaba before repeating similar success at the 2022 edition in Mauritius. She also added another relay gold medal during the 2024 championships held in Douala.
Following her campaign in Ghana, the Nigerian star will immediately switch focus to the opening event of the 2026 Diamond League season in Shanghai/Keqiao, where she will compete against some of the biggest names in global athletics.
The highly anticipated race is expected to feature reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji, Olympic champion Masai Russell, Jamaican sprint hurdler Danielle Williams, and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton among others.
Amusan remains the fastest woman in history over the 100m hurdles after setting a world record time of 12.12 seconds, a performance that cemented her status among the greatest athletes in the event. Her rivalry with Masai Russell, who holds a personal best of 12.17 seconds, is expected to be one of the major highlights of the competition.
The Shanghai/Keqiao meeting will officially launch the 2026 Diamond League season, with athletes battling for points and qualification ahead of the grand finale scheduled to hold in Brussels in September.
The event is also expected to attract several global track stars, including Kenyan middle-distance legend Faith Kipyegon, Jamaican sprint sensation Shericka Jackson, American speed star Sha’Carri Richardson, Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo, and Bahraini athlete Salwa Eid Naser.
With the new athletics season set to begin, all eyes will be on Amusan as she aims to continue her dominance on the global stage and strengthen her reputation as one of Africa’s greatest track athletes.
