By Rosemary Ugiomoh
Nigerian athletics is undergoing a major shake-up.
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has released its Registered Testing Pool (RTP) for the first quarter of 2026, and it’s a mixed bag for Nigerian athletes.
World medalist Ese Brume, Samuel Ogazi, and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi are out, while Tobi Amusan,
Ezekiel Nathaniel, and three others remain on the list.
Ese Brume, a multiple world medalist, has seen a decline in her performance, 
currently ranking 207th globally and 27th in her event. Her exclusion from the RTP is seen as a reflection of her recent form.
On the other hand, Tobi Amusan, the world record holder and reigning world silver medalist, remains on the list, solidifying her position as Nigeria’s top athlete
The retained athletes, including Ezekiel Nathaniel, Kanyinsola Ajayi, and Tima Godbless, will be subject to regular testing and must provide daily whereabouts information to the AIU.
This is in recognition of their excellence and a responsibility to maintain the highest standards of anti-doping compliance.
