By Ben Efe 7.8.2026
Ajoke Odumosu Nigeria’s most decorated women’s 400m hurdles athlete is not happy the country is lagging behind in the event which she dominated for several years.
Odumosu who is watching the ongoing World Junior Championships on-going in Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, United States stated that it was worrisome that the country did not field any athlete in the event.
“Sitting here watching the World Junior Championships right now and it gave me a flashback as I also competed in it 20years ago.
“We can’t find anyone with a Nigerian jersey in the 400mh. This is where Nigeria needs to start working on the hurdlers,” the 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medalist and London 2012 Olympics finalist stated.
Odumosu who dominated the Africa 400mh between 2007 and 2012 winning two African Games gold 2011, 2015 and bronze 2007 and African Championships gold 2008, 2012, silver and women 4x400m gold 2010 noted that there has always been runners waiting to be discovered, all what there is to be done provide the required training with coaches who know their onions.
“Running the hurdles is not just running as it is a very crazy technical event which needs dedication and hard work. We Nigerians are hard working in anything we do, and we just need to encourage the upcoming ones and a better technical coach for the event.”
Odumosu who still holds the 54.40secs 400mh national record remains the only Nigerian woman that has reached the final of the Olympics in the event and also the only Nigerian woman who has won the Commonwealth gold so far. She noted that the sports authorities need to do more for up-and-coming athletes, since Nigeria has a rich history in track and field.
