Record-breaking Nigerian athletes are making waves on the global sports stage, with world-class performances that showcase the nation's incredible athletic talent.

Tobi Amusan, the world record-holding hurdler, has kicked off 2026 by securing a remarkable third-place position in the World Athletics rankings for the 2025 season. At just 28 years old, Amusan stands as the sole Nigerian woman ranked in the top five of her discipline, demonstrating extraordinary athletic prowess.

Alongside Amusan, two fellow Nigerian athletes—Ezekiel Nathaniel and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi—have also secured prestigious positions in the top 100 global rankings. Their outstanding achievements in hurdles and shot put have firmly placed Nigeria in the international athletic spotlight.

Amusan's performance at the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships was particularly noteworthy, where she claimed a silver medal in the 100m hurdles. With 1,430 ranking points, she was surpassed only by Switzerland's gold medalist Ditaji Kambundji and America's Grace Stark, solidifying her status as a world-class athlete.

Twenty-two-year-old Ezekiel Nathaniel enjoyed a breakthrough season, emerging as the fifth-ranked 400m hurdler globally. His remarkable achievements include becoming the first Nigerian to run the 400m hurdles under 48 seconds—a feat he accomplished nine times. His national record of 47.11 seconds is just a hundredth of a second away from the African record.

Shot put champion Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, a multiple African title holder, also made his mark by finishing fifth in Tokyo and securing the 100th position in the overall rankings. Together with Amusan and Nathaniel, Enekwechi represents the pinnacle of Nigerian athletic excellence in 2025.

These athletes' extraordinary performances not only highlight individual brilliance but also underscore Nigeria's growing prominence in international track and field competitions. Their rankings serve as an inspiring testament to dedication, hard work, and the immense athletic potential within the nation.