World Athletics has released the final entry list for the upcoming World Athletics Indoor Championships. However, Nigerian stars Tobi Amusan, Favour Ofili, and Ese Brume are notably absent from the team. The prestigious event will take place in Nanjing, China, from March 21 to 23.
Enekwechi and Okezie Lead Nigeria’s Nine-Member Team
Despite the absence of the top athletes, Nigeria will be represented by a strong squad. Shot put specialist Chukwuebuka Enekwechi and 400m runner Chidi Okezie will lead Nigeria’s nine-member team. The squad includes seven male and two female athletes. They will compete in events like high jump, long jump, 400m, shot put, and the men’s 4x400m relay.
Other Nigerian Athletes Set to Compete
Other notable Nigerian athletes competing include NCAA women’s indoor high jump champion Temitope Adeshina. African indoor 400m record holder Ezekiel Nathaniel and Paris Olympic finalist Prestina Ochonogor are also on the team. Additionally, Edidiong Udo, James Onwuka, Ifeanyi Ojeli, and Joshua Caleb complete the squad.
Championship to Feature 576 Athletes from 127 Countries
World Athletics reports that 576 athletes from 127 countries will compete. This includes 11 defending champions and 20 Paris 2024 Olympic medallists. The championship will feature 264 women and 312 men. This diverse mix promises high-level competition.
Defending Champions and Olympic Gold Medalists Ready to Compete
Defending champions from the last edition in Glasgow will compete in Nanjing. Mondo Duplantis (pole vault), Devynne Charlton (60m hurdles), and Grant Holloway (60m hurdles) are among them. Also joining are Molly Caudery (pole vault), Tsige Duguma (800m), and Hamish Kerr (high jump). Several of these champions, including Duplantis and Holloway, won Olympic gold in Paris last year. They will be joined by other Olympic champions such as Yaroslava Mahuchikh (high jump) and Jakob Ingebrigtsen (1500m and 3000m).
Chinese Athletes to Compete on Home Soil
Among the home athletes to watch will be China’s Olympic and two-time world shot put champion Gong Lijiao. Two-time global triple jump medallist Zhu Yaming will also compete. Their performances will bring extra excitement to the competition.
