Amusan Leads as Nigerian Athletes Earn $130,000 at World Athletics Ultimate Championships
Oru Leonard
BUDAPEST, Hungary — September 15, 2026: Nigerian athletes have returned from the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest with a combined $130,000 in prize money, led by hurdler Tobi Amusan’s impressive silver-medal performance.
Amusan produced Nigeria’s best result at the three-day championship, finishing second in the women’s 100m hurdles in 12.34 seconds.
American Masai Russell claimed the gold medal in 12.22 seconds, while the Netherlands’ Nadine Visser finished third in 12.39 seconds. Amusan’s silver medal earned her $75,000.
In the men’s 100m, Kayinsola Ajayi also delivered a strong performance, placing fourth to pocket $25,000.
Other Nigerian athletes who finished among the prize winners were Ezekiel Nathaniel, who placed sixth in the men’s 400m hurdles and earned $14,000, and Udodi Onwuzurike, who finished eighth in the men’s 200m to collect $10,000.
Ella Onojuvwevwo completed Nigeria’s prize-money haul after finishing 12th in the women’s 400m, earning $6,000.
The five athletes therefore combined to secure $130,000 for Nigeria at the inaugural championship, which brought together some of the world’s leading track and field athletes to compete for a record $10 million prize purse.
The championship was held at the National Athletics Centre in Budapest, with World Athletics introducing a new head-to-head competition format aimed at creating a more intense and engaging experience for athletes and fans.
Nigeria’s performance, particularly Amusan’s silver-medal finish, further underlines the country’s continued presence among the leading nations in global athletics.
(Kola Daniel, S.A. Media to DG NSC,
September 15, 2026)
Photo Credit: BBC
