Amid suspension, Tobi Amusan misses out as AFN releases team list for World Athletics Championships (gazettengr.com)

Reigning world champion Tobi Amusan’s name was noticeably absent as the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) announced Nigeria’s team list for the 2023 World Athletics Championships to hold in Budapest, Hungary, between August 19 and 23.

The 26-year-old was provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) after she was charged with rule violation for missing three drug tests in 12 months, which Amusan vowed to fight, stating that she is a “CLEAN athlete” and “regularly (maybe more than usual) tested by the AIU”.

Amusan, who became the first Nigerian world champion after she won the 100-metre hurdles and set a world record time of 12.12 seconds at the 2022 edition of the competition in the United States, was notably not on the list, and her hope of defending her title is now in limbo.

However, long jumper and Olympic medalist Ese, reigning African shot-put champion Enekwechi Chukwuebuka and the quartet of Chukwuma Rosemary, Ofili Favour, Eyakpobeyan Justina and Umukoro Success made the list released by AFN on Tuesday.

Usoro Ruth Amaechi Obiageri Pamela, Anumba Ashley, Onyekwere Chioma, Seye Ogunlewe, Itshekiri Usheoritshe, Ashe Favour, Nathaniel Ezekiel, Chidi Okezie, Dubem Nwachukwu, Samuel Ogazi, Ezekiel Nathaniel, Patience Okon-George, Imaobong Uko Nse, and Ella Onoiuvwevwo all made the list.

Meanwhile, an official verdict on Amusan’s case is expected to be announced by AIU before the World Championships begin because of an accelerated hearing, unlike the months-long trials for some of her compatriots, who have been on the suspension list for some time now.

It is, however, unclear whether Amusan’s omission from the list is an indication of the AIU and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) hearing outcome on the case.

See the full team list below

Itshekiri Usheoritshe – 100m and 4x100m

Ashe Favour – 100m and 4x100m

Seye Ogunlewe – 100m and 4x100m

Alaba Akintola – 200m and 4x100m

Fakorede Adekalu – 4x100m

Karlington Anunagba – 4x100m

Dubem Nwachukwu – 400m

Nathaniel Ezekiel – 400m Hurdles and 4x400m Mixed

Chidi Okezie – 4x400m Mixed

Dubem Nwachukwu – 4x400m Mixed

Samuel Ogazi – 4x400m Mixed

Enekwechi Chukwuebuka – Shot-put

Women

Chukwuma Rosemary – 100m and 4x100m

Ofili Rosemary – 200m and 4x100m

Eyakpobeyan Justina – 4x100m

Okwose Faith – 4x100m

Umukoro Success – 4x100m

Uko Imaobong Nse – 400m, 4x400m and 4x400m Mixed

Oke Opeyemi Deborah – 4x400m

Onojuvwevwo Ella – 4x400m and 4x400m Mixed

Ese Brume – Long Jump

Ruth Usoro – Long Jump

Pamela Obiageri Amaechi – Discus Throw

Ashley Anumba – Discus Throw

Chioma Onyekwere – Discus Throw

Olatoye Oyesade – Discus Throw