Nigeria’s Chioma Onyekwere has voiced her disappointment after failing to qualify for the women’s discus throw final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Despite months of preparation and a strong season, the two-time African champion admitted her finishing let her down in the crucial moment.
“For me it’s still full circle being back in Tokyo.”
“I really wanted to go out there and do my best and put on a really good performance and make the finals and get an opportunity to try and compete for the podium,” 30-year-old said.
“Good technical work, good form, good movement. Just a little impatient at the finish and just went too high in the third unfortunately.”
“I felt like that was a throw that was going to help push me forward. Unfortunately I wasn’t patient.”
Chioma Onyekwere, who has consistently ranked among the world’s top 20–21 athletes in her event, admitted she had aimed to break into the top 12 this time.
“I consistently top 20, top 21, every single World Championship. I wanted more for this competition.”
“I felt prepared and ready to move again with the top 20 in the world,
“It’s crazy that in a short amount of time the season is over. I wanted more from this competition”, Chioma Onyekwere concluded.
Prestina Ochonogor’s Debut: A Learning Curve
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Prestina Ochonogor made her debut at the World Championships in the women’s long jump, bowing out in the qualifying rounds.
Despite not advancing, the 21-year-old was rather satisfied at the experience, describing it as a valuable learning curve.
Since her breakout season in 2024, Ochonogor has enjoyed a rapid rise, representing Nigeria at the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and now the World Athletics Championships.
Widely seen as an athlete with huge potential, her participation in Tokyo is expected to serve as a springboard for greater achievements.
Though Nigeria fell short in the discus and long jump events, Tobi Amusan’s 200m hurdles silver medal remained the country’s sole medal at the just concluded 2025 Tokyo World Championships.
