The ongoing 2023 African Games in Ghana witnessed another display of sheer dominance by Tobi Amusan, the world record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles. Amusan clinched her third hurdles title in the competition, blazing through the tracks of the University of Ghana Sports Complex in a remarkable time of 12.89 seconds on Wednesday night.

Amusan's stellar performance didn't end there. She also led the women’s 4x100m relay team to a gold medal finish on a night where Nigeria's athletics team showcased its prowess by claiming a total of five gold medals.

Despite her clear victory, Amusan faced a moment of uncertainty as she survived a potential disqualification due to a false start. However, the 26-year-old hurdler managed to maintain her composure, ultimately crossing the finish line ahead of Madagascar’s Fiadanantsoa Sidonie, who secured the silver medal with a time of 13.19 seconds. Zimbabwe's Tinashe Kamangirira clinched the bronze, clocking in at 13.59 seconds. Faith Osamuyi, another Nigerian contender in the hurdles final, narrowly missed a podium finish, coming in fourth with a time of 13.77 seconds.

Amusan's journey to success at the African Games began in 2015 when she claimed her first title in Brazzaville, setting a Games record. She then surpassed her own record at the previous edition in Rabat 2019, clocking an impressive 12.68 seconds, a record that still stands.

In other events, Nigeria celebrated gold in the men’s 400m as Chidi Okezie secured his first gold since representing the country in 2016. Okezie delivered a remarkable performance, achieving a personal best of 45.06 seconds, marking the fastest time by a Nigerian athlete in nine years. Zambia’s Muzala Samukonga and Senegal’s Diouf Cheick Tidiane claimed second and third place, respectively.

Esther Joseph also made Nigeria proud by clinching silver in the women’s 400m final with a new personal best of 51.61 seconds. Mary Moraa of Kenya, the world 800m champion, clinched the gold with a time of 50.57 seconds.

Amusan's remarkable night continued as she joined forces with the women’s 4x100m relay team, anchoring them to another gold medal victory in a compelling display of teamwork. The Nigerian quartet, comprising Justina Eyakpobeyan, Olayinka Olajide, Fore Abinusawa, and Tobi Amusan, crossed the finish line in a commanding time of 43.05 seconds, leaving Liberia and hosts Ghana trailing behind.

Nigeria's success extended to the men’s 4x100m relay, where the team secured a photo-finish win against Ghana and Liberia. Sunday Okon, Consider Ekanem, Alaba Akintola, and Usheoritshe Itsekiri showcased exceptional teamwork, clinching gold in a thrilling race.

Additionally, Kemi Francis added to Nigeria's medal tally by winning gold in the women’s heptathlon with 911 points.

As the African Games progress, Team Nigeria maintains its position in second place behind Egypt, with an impressive collection of 90 medals: 35 gold, 23 silver, and 32 bronze. Egypt leads the medal table with 167 medals, while South Africa follows closely behind in third place.

The outstanding performances of Nigerian athletes at the 2023 African Games exemplify their talent, determination, and commitment to excellence on the continental stage.