Top 12 Nigerian Athletes Who Broke African Records
Top 12 Nigerian Athletes Who Broke African RecordsNigeria has always stood tall in African athletics, producing stars who not only dominate local competitions but also rewrite history books at continental and global levels. Breaking an African record is no small feat, it means being the very best across an entire continent.Over the years, several Nigerians have risen to that standard, cementing the country’s place as a powerhouse in track and field. Here are twelve of the most remarkable athletes who have broken African records and inspired generations.
1. Tobi Amusan
Arguably the most talked-about Nigerian athlete of recent years, Tobi Amusan stunned the world when she clocked 12.12 seconds in the 100m hurdles at the 2022 World Championships. She later confirmed her dominance by breaking the African indoor record in the 60m hurdles, running 7.77 seconds in 2024 to erase Glory Alozie’s long-standing mark.
Amusan has become a symbol of consistency and resilience, carrying Nigerian sprint hurdling to new heights.
2. Ezekiel Nathaniel
In February 2025, Ezekiel Nathaniel etched his name in history as the first African man to run under 45 seconds indoors in the 400m. His blistering 44.92 seconds redefined what’s possible in African middle-distance sprinting, a feat that will inspire a new generation of Nigerian quarter-milers.
3. Favour Ofili
Young, fearless, and incredibly fast, Favour Ofili has been making waves across sprinting circles. In 2025, she stormed to 15.85 seconds in the 150m street race, shattering her own African record. While the 150m isn’t a standard championship distance, the performance proved her versatility and potential to dominate the 100m and 200m for years to come.
4. Blessing Okagbare
Before Amusan and Ofili, there was Blessing Okagbare — a Nigerian sprint queen who carried the nation on her shoulders for over a decade. She still holds the African record in the 200m with a remarkable 22.04 seconds. Her legacy as one of Africa’s finest sprinters is sealed, and her record continues to stand tall as a benchmark for young athletes.
5. Chioma Ajunwa
Nigeria’s first Olympic gold medalist in track and field, Chioma Ajunwa leapt into history in 1996 when she won gold in the women’s long jump. Alongside her Olympic heroics, she set a mark that doubled as an African record at the time, putting Nigeria on the global athletics map.
6. Innocent Egbunike
In the 1980s, Innocent Egbunike was the name that kept popping up in African athletics. His performances in the 400m, including an African record of 44.17 seconds, made him one of the most dominant athletes of his era. He remains a legend in Nigerian sprint history.
7. Mary Onyali
Mary Onyali lit up tracks across the 1990s, not only as a multiple Olympic finalist but also as an African record holder in the 200m before Okagbare. Her fearless sprinting and longevity set her apart, making her one of Nigeria’s most celebrated athletes.
8. Davidson Ezinwa
A sprinter of rare quality, Davidson Ezinwa broke barriers in the 100m and became one of the fastest men Africa had ever produced in the 1990s. His records and sub-10-second performances redefined Nigerian men’s sprinting.
9. Falilat Ogunkoya
Known for her graceful yet powerful strides, Falilat Ogunkoya was a trailblazer in the women’s 400m. She once held the African record with her stunning 49.10 seconds, a mark that placed her among the world’s best in her prime.
10. Modupe Oshikoya
Back in the 1970s, Modupe Oshikoya dominated women’s track and field across multiple events. She set African records in heptathlon and long jump, proving that Nigeria’s women were just as capable of rewriting continental standards as the men.
11. Deji Aliu
Part of Nigeria’s golden generation of sprinters, Deji Aliu was another record-setter who pushed the limits in the 100m. His performances in the early 2000s brought Nigeria closer to global recognition in men’s sprinting.
12. Gloria Alozie
Though later representing Spain, Gloria Alozie’s roots are firmly Nigerian. Before Amusan, Alozie held the African record in the women’s 100m hurdles and indoor 60m hurdles. Her dominance laid the foundation for the hurdles tradition that Amusan now continues.
Conclusion
These twelve athletes represent the pinnacle of Nigerian athletics, each raising the bar for what Africans can achieve on the track or field. From the legendary feats of Chioma Ajunwa and Innocent Egbunike to the modern brilliance of Tobi Amusan and Favour Ofili, Nigeria has consistently produced record-breakers who inspire the continent. As more investment flows into sports development, the next generation of Nigerian athletes could soon add even more names to this prestigious list.
