TheCable

Tobi Amusan, world women’s 100 meters hurdles champion, is missing from Team Nigeria’s list for the 2023 World Athletics Championship.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) on Tuesday released a 26-member list comprising 11 male and 15 female athletes expected to represent the country at the competition in Hungary.

Amusan was, however, excluded from the list — a development that might not be unconnected to her alleged doping scandal case.

In July, TheCable reported that Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) handed Amusan a provisional suspension for allegedly “missing three tests in 12 months”.

The world champion, however, denied the allegation and vowed to challenge the charges.

The anti-doping body said Amusan’s charges would be heard by the disciplinary tribunal and determined before the World Athletics Championships, billed to start on August 19.

Other notable absences from the list include Godson Oghenebrume, who pulled out due to injury, and Udodi Onwuzurike.

Ese Brume will lead the Nigerian contingent to Budapest, hoping to improve on her silver medal in the women’s long jump from Eugene, Oregon, last year.

Favour Ofili also made the cut alongside Chukwuma Rosemary, Itshekiri Usheoritshe and Enekwechi Chukwuebuka.

Also on the list are Onyekwere Chioma and Amaechi Obiageri, the duo that won gold and bronze medal, respectively, in the women’s discus throw at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK.

The 2023 World Athletics Championship is scheduled to hold from August 19 to 27.