Former World U-20 champion and U.S.-based sprint sensation, Udodi Onwuzurike, is on the verge of making history at the 2025 Wanda Diamond League Final, scheduled for August 27 and 28 at Zurich’s iconic Letzigrund Stadium in Switzerland.
While global athletics fans eagerly await the showdown between Onwuzurike and Olympic champion Noah Lyles of the U.S., it’s a different story for sprint star Favour Ofili, who has surprisingly withdrawn from the women’s 200m race despite being among the top eight qualifiers.
Onwuzurike, who burst onto the scene by winning 200m gold for Nigeria at the 2021 World U-20 Championships in Nairobi, reached the Diamond League Final despite only running once this season, in Brussels. He earned his spot following a series of withdrawals by fellow competitors.
His anticipated duel with Lyles—who enters the final via wildcard—adds a compelling edge to the men’s sprint lineup, promising a thrilling contest for fans around the world.
Speaking to The Guardian from the United States, his father, Coach Chris Onwuzurike, expressed pride in his son’s journey and praised his relentless pursuit of success in athletics.
“My son Udodi has endured a lot in the past two years, and I’m truly glad he made it to the Diamond League Final. I might travel to Zurich to support him on Wednesday,” he shared.
Ofili, a Paris 2024 Olympic finalist, was set to make her first Diamond League Final appearance, but her absence from the final entry list has sparked confusion. The reason for her sudden withdrawal is still unknown.
While Ofili sits this one out, Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan is back with fierce determination.
Amusan, who missed last year’s edition, will be making her fourth Diamond League Final appearance. With three titles already, she is aiming for a record-setting fourth win in the 100m hurdles, along with the prestigious $50,000 top prize.
Her comeback has not only energized the competition but also renewed expectations of another landmark performance.
In another twist, Nigerian 400m hurdler Nathaniel Ezekiel has been promoted to the final following the withdrawal of top-ranked contenders Benjamin Rai (USA) and Alison dos Santos (Brazil).
Ezekiel, who ended the season ranked ninth, now joins the elite final lineup. With $50,000 for the winner and $20,000 and $10,000 for second and third, the young athlete faces a high-stakes opportunity.
However, Nigerian shot putter Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, who finished seventh overall, won’t be competing in Zurich.
All six confirmed qualifiers in his event have accepted their spots, leaving no room for alternates. It’s a tough break for Enekwechi, whose consistency this season had fueled hopes of a place in the final.
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