Nigerian sprint star, Favour Ofili, has pulled out of the 2025 Racers Grand Prix scheduled to hold on Saturday, June 7, at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.
Her absence from the 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.
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 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 moved 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 meet on May 25.