Tobi Amusan Takes Silver as Prefontaine Classic Hurdles Race Heats Up
**Tobi Amusan** claimed a silver medal in the women’s 100m hurdles at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, on 5 July 2026, posting a swift 12.34 seconds and keeping Nigeria in the spotlight ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
The Diamond League stop featured a fast‑moving hurdles final. **Masai Russell** of the United States edged the field with a winning 12.24 seconds. **Tobi Amusan**, the world‑record holder, crossed the line in 12.34 seconds to finish second, while **Devynne Charlton** of the Bahamas took bronze in 12.41 seconds. The race highlighted the depth of talent in the event and gave Nigerian fans a reason to celebrate.
Nigeria’s squad arrived in Eugene with a clear goal: to fine‑tune form before the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The National Sports Commission (NSC) praised the showing, noting that Amusan’s podium finish, alongside **Kanyinsola Ajayi’s** 9.84‑second 100m win, signals that the team is in top shape. NSC Director‑General **Bukola Olopade** emphasized that the athletes’ performances provide a timely lift for Team Nigeria as they regroup in Aberdeen before heading to Glasgow.
Amusan’s 12.34 seconds is a solid mark early in the season, confirming she remains competitive against the world’s best. While the time sits shy of her own 12.12‑second world record, it demonstrates consistency and readiness for the upcoming major championships. The result also adds valuable points toward her Diamond League ranking, keeping her in contention for the season finale.
After Eugene, the athletes will join teammates training in Aberdeen, Scotland, to finalize preparations. The NSC expects the squad to travel together to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games, where Amusan will likely target gold in the hurdles. Her next major test will come at the Games, scheduled for late July, where she aims to convert this silver‑medal momentum into a championship victory.
Beyond Amusan, **Ezekiel Nathaniel** ran a season‑best 45.32 seconds in the men’s 400m, finishing eighth. **Chukwuebuka Enekwechi** recorded 21.36 metres in the shot put, placing sixth. **Ella Onojuvwevwo** debuted in the Diamond League, posting 50.67 seconds for fifth in the women’s 400m. These performances, together with Amusan’s, illustrate a broadening talent pool across Nigerian track and field.
The Eugene results suggest Nigerian athletes are peaking at the right moment. With Amusan already on the podium and Ajayi matching the national 100m record, the team appears poised to challenge for medals in Glasgow. Observers will watch how the athletes translate their Diamond League form into championship success.
**Tobi Amusan**’s silver at the Prefontaine Classic not only adds a medal to her résumé but also signals that Nigeria’s sprint‑hurdle hopes are alive and well as the Commonwealth Games approach.