As the World Athletics Championships enter a decisive stage in Tokyo, Sports Village Square has discovered that Nigeria’s colours are being carried with pride by world-record hurdler Tobi Amusan and her teammates.
Yet, in stadiums across the Japanese capital, many familiar Nigerian names are also turning heads — only this time in foreign jerseys.
From Britain to Belgium, Italy to South Africa, and even Turkey, at least seven athletes of Nigerian heritage are competing under other national flags.
For a country renowned as Africa’s sprint factory, it is both a mark of pride and a sobering reminder of how much talent Nigeria has lost to the global stage.
In the men’s hurdles, Belgium’s Michael Obasuyi — son of a Nigerian father — and Britain’s Tade Ojora, a four-time UK champion from Lagos’ Ojora royal lineage, are flying high.
Ojora has been a regular presence in British sprint hurdles, clinching national medals and showing remarkable consistency in recent years.
Also in Britain’s squad is Chijindu “CJ” Ujah, a sprinter of Nigerian descent, back on the global circuit in the 100m and 4x100m relay.
Italy’s roster is no different. Daisy Osakue, daughter of Nigerian migrants, carries the discus record for her adopted country, while Chituru Ali, whose mother is Nigerian, has emerged as Italy’s new sprint sensation.
South Africa too draws on Nigerian blood, with hurdler John Adesola representing the rainbow nation.
Most striking, however, is the reported switch of Favour Ofili — Nigeria’s 200m record holder — to Turkey. Her decision, if confirmed, would deprive Nigeria of one of its brightest track stars just as she hits her prime.
The presence of athletes like Obasuyi and Ojora highlights a recurring trend in international athletics — where Nigerian-born or Nigeria-descended athletes go on to represent other nations, often due to migration, dual nationality, or development opportunities abroad.
For Nigeria, it is both a point of pride and reflection: while the nation continues to produce raw talent, many end up contributing to the medal hauls of other countries.
Behold! Nigerian Heritage Athletes in Tokyo 2025
| Athlete | Country | Event | Nigerian Connection |
| Michael Obasuyi | Belgium | 110m hurdles | Nigerian father |
| Tade Ojora | Great Britain | 110m hurdles | Lagos Ojora royal family |
| Chinjidu ‘CJ’ Ujah | Great Britain | 100m, 4x100m | Nigerian parentage |
| Daisy Osakue | Italy | Discus throw | Nigerian parents |
| Chituru Ali | Italy | 100m | Nigerian mother |
| John Adesola | South Africa | 110m hurdles | Nigerian descent |
| Favour Ofili* | Turkey (switch) | 100m/200m | Nigerian 200m record holder |
Credit: Sports Village Square
