Nigerian track fans are in for a historical showdown this weekend at the Tom Jones Invitational on April 13th. Two of the country’s brightest sprinting stars, Tobi Amusan and Favour Ofili, will be facing off in the 100-metre flat for the very first time.
Tobi Amusan is a legend in the 100-metre hurdles and the current world record holder in that event. She is using this race as a strategic move to gauge her raw speed before a major competition later in April. While Amusan is known for her hurdling prowess, she’s no stranger to success in the flat 100 metres either. She achieved a personal best time of 11.10 seconds.
On the other side of the track, Favour Ofili is a rising star with the wind at her back. This year has been a breakout season for her, with a record-breaking performance in the 300m that secured a new African record. But that’s not all. She scorched the track earlier this year, clocking a blistering 10.85 seconds in the 100m. This made it the world’s fastest time for that distance so far in 2024!
This clash of titans is sure to be an electrifying race. Amusan will be aiming to outrun her younger compatriot and also smash her personal best time. However, both Nigerian queens will face stiff competition from a talented pool of international sprinters. The starting line-up has established names. The names include Tamari Davis, a world championship finalist from the US, and her fellow American, Melissa Jefferson, a former US champion. Jamaican athletes Alana Reid and Kemba Nelson will also be vying for the top spot, along with the returning American star Abby Steiner.
A victory for either Amusan or Ofili would be a monumental achievement and a powerful statement to the world. This would solidify their readiness to dominate the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. This race is not just about who crosses the finish line first; it’s a glimpse into the future of Nigerian sprinting and a chance to witness history in the making.