Nigerian sprint star, Favour Ofili has officially scratched from the 2025 Racers Grand Prix, scheduled for Saturday, June 7, at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.
Renowned Jamaican track analyst Kemal Forde confirmed her withdrawal and announced two late additions to the women’s 200m lineup.
“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.
Why Ofili Withdrew Following a Stellar Season
At 22 years old, Ofili has been one of the breakout stars of the 2025 season.
In May, she shattered the world record in the women’s 150m at the Adidas Atlanta City Games, clocking 15.85s to eclipse the previous mark of 16.23s held by Olympic champion, Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
Prior to that, Ofili delivered strong performances in the 200m earlier this year:
Grand Slam Track Meet (Florida): Placed second behind Olympic champion Julien Alfred with 22.34s, ranking her among the world’s top eight this season.
Tom Jones Invitational (Florida): Ran 22.27s.
Despite her impressive form, no official reason has been given for her late withdrawal.
However, sources suggest it may be a precautionary decision to manage her training load and minimize injury risk ahead of the World Athletics Championships in September, where she is one of Nigeria’s top medal prospects.
Shericka Jackson and Tobi Amusan in Focus
While Ofili’s absence is a disappointment ahead of a anticipated duel with double world champion Shericka Jackson, the event still boasts several marquee names:
Shericka Jackson (Jamaica): The reigning 200m world champion remains the headline act.
Tobi Amusan (Nigeria): World record holder in the 100m hurdles, Amusan relocated to Jamaica late last year to train under Coach Glen Mills at Racers Track Club.
She rebounded from a minor training setback earlier this season to win the Rabat Diamond League on May 25.
Amusan spoke about her progress and outlook:
“I’m taking it one day at a time,” Amusan said.
“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.”
New Additions: Strachan and Stevens Ready to Step In
With Ofili out, the women’s 200m field now includes:
Anthonique Strachan (Bahamas): A seasoned sprinter with multiple international medals.
Deajah Stevens (USA): An experienced former NCAA champion and World Indoor medalist.
Racers Grand Prix Maintains Top-Tier Status
The Racers Grand Prix remains one of the premier meets in the Caribbean, drawing elite talent from around the globe.
Events kick off Friday night with sprints and hurdles, before culminating in Saturday’s stacked finals program.
Organized by Glen Mills, founder of Racers Track Club, the meet has become a crucial mid-season stop for athletes honing their form ahead of global championships.
Event: 2025 Racers Grand Prix
Dates: June 6–7, 2025
Location: National Stadium, Kingston, Jamaica
Withdrawn: Favour Ofili (NGR)
Replacements (200m): Anthonique Strachan (BAH), Deajah Stevens (USA)
Marquee Competitors: Shericka Jackson (JAM), Tobi Amusan (NGR)
