Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan has urged young people not to allow fear or negative opinions stop them from pursuing their dreams after winning the country’s first gold medal at the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana.

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‎Amusan won the women’s 100 metres hurdles event ahead of Zimbabwe’s Ashley Miller, who claimed silver, while fellow Nigerian athlete Adaobi Tabugbo secured the bronze medal.

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‎The victory marked Amusan’s third African Championships gold medal and strengthened Team Nigeria’s campaign at the continental competition in Ghana.

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‎Speaking after the race, the world record holder reflected on doubts she faced earlier in her career and encouraged aspiring athletes to remain confident and persistent despite criticism.

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‎“Don’t let anyone talk fear into your dreams,” Amusan said.

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‎“I remember when I started hurdling, I heard a lot of ‘Oh, nobody is going to do well as a hurdler from Africa.’ And guess who is the world record holder? Me.”

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‎The medal was presented to Amusan by Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics.

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‎Amusan is one of Nigeria’s most successful track athletes and currently holds the women’s 100m hurdles world record, making her one of Africa’s biggest names in athletics.