Favour Ofili

Olamide Abe

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Nigerian sprint sensation Favour Ofili has pulled out of the 2025 Racers Grand Prix, set to take place on Saturday, June 7, at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Her absence from the high-profile event was confirmed by Jamaican track and field analyst Kemal Forde, who revealed that Bahamian sprinter Anthonique Strachan and American Deajah Stevens have been drafted into the women’s 200m lineup to replace the Nigerian.

“Anthonique Strachan and Deajah Stevens have been added to the women’s 200m at this Saturday’s Racers Grand Prix as Nigeria’s Favour Ofili has scratched,” Forde stated.

Ofili had been among the headline athletes listed for the meet, which is organised by Racers Track Club founder and legendary coach Glen Mills.

Her withdrawal is a setback for fans anticipating a track contest with double world champion Shericka Jackson, who remains the marquee name in the event.

The 22-year-old Nigerian sprinter has been in impressive form this season.

Earlier in May, she made history at the Adidas Atlanta City Games by setting a new world record in the women’s 150m, clocking 15.85s to break the previous mark of 16.23s held by Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo.

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That performance followed her strong showings in the 200m at the Grand Slam Track meet in Florida and the Tom Jones Invitational, where she finished second behind Olympic champion Julien Alfred and with a time of 22.34s and 22.27s in Florida, ranking her eight-fastest in the world this season.

While no official reason has been given for her withdrawal, it is likely a precautionary measure to manage workload or avoid injury as she builds towards the World Athletics Championships in September, where she is expected to be one of Nigeria’s top medal hopefuls.

Ofili’s withdrawal does not diminish the quality of competition expected in Kingston.

Her compatriot and world record holder Tobi Amusan remains on the start list and is set to feature in her trademark 100m hurdles event.

Amusan, who relocated to Jamaica late last year to train under Mills at Racers Track Club, is gradually regaining full fitness following a brief training setback earlier this season and won the Rabat Diamond League on May 25.

“I’m taking it one day at a time,” Amusan said recently.

“I had a little hiccup in training, but things have been going well, and I’m excited for the rest of the season.

I feel like I’m more of a sprinter than a hurdler, and I wasn’t about to let that talent go to waste,” Amusan stated.

With Ofili out, focus will now turn to Amusan and other international stars to maintain the event’s high level of excitement when the Racers Grand Prix gets underway in Kingston.

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