Nigerian Athletes Miss Podium at World Athletics Champs

At the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship held in Budapest, Hungary, Nigerian athletes Ezekiel Nathaniel and Udodi Onwuzurike did not secure podium finishes, thus missing out on prize money. Onwuzurike finished eighth in the men's 200m final with a time of 20.45 seconds, while American Kenny Bednarek won the event in a world-leading 19.52 seconds.

Nathaniel placed sixth in the men's 400m hurdles final, clocking 48.23 seconds, with Brazil's Alison dos Santos winning the event in 45.98 seconds. The results meant that Tobi Amusan was the only Nigerian athlete to achieve a podium finish, securing second place in the women's 100m hurdles final on Friday with a time of 12.34 seconds, earning $75,000.

American Masai Russell won the event in 12.22 seconds, claiming the top prize of $150,000. Additionally, Nigerian record-holder Kayinsola Ajayi narrowly missed the podium in the men's 100m final on Saturday.