The rising athlete secured her first individual medal for Nigeria at the continental championships, finishing behind compatriot and world record holder Tobi Amusan, who claimed gold to hand Team Nigeria its first top podium finish of the competition.
Jamaican athlete Ashley Miller prevented a Nigerian one-two finish after crossing the line ahead of Tabugbo in the final.
For Tabugbo, the medal represents a defining moment in her athletics career and a sign of growing progress on the international stage. Speaking after the race, she expressed excitement over the achievement while revealing that preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games have already become a major focus.
“Right now, it means everything to me. I’m so grateful. God is so good,” she said in an interview with AFN Media.
“I’ll be very prepared for the Commonwealth Games because it’s so early in the season and I understand.”
The athlete’s strong performance in Accra has further positioned her as one of Nigeria’s emerging track stars, especially in the women’s hurdles event where the country has built a strong reputation in recent years.
Tabugbo also paid tribute to Amusan, describing the reigning world champion as a major influence on her career development and a source of constant motivation within the national team.
According to her, competing alongside an athlete of Amusan’s calibre has inspired her to push harder and believe in her own potential.
Observers say Amusan’s continued success on the global stage has opened doors for younger Nigerian hurdlers, many of whom now see international medals as realistic goals rather than distant dreams.
Beyond individual performances, Tabugbo praised the atmosphere within Team Nigeria’s camp in Accra, noting that the unity and camaraderie among athletes contributed positively to morale during the championships.
“The spirit within the camp is great. I love being around the team. It is so jovial. I just want to be around them,” she added.
With the Commonwealth Games scheduled for July 2026 in Glasgow, athletics analysts believe Tabugbo’s recent bronze-medal finish could mark the beginning of a bigger rise for the Nigerian hurdler.
Her performance in Accra has already raised expectations that she could become one of Nigeria’s strongest medal prospects in the hurdles event as she continues to gain experience and confidence at elite international competitions.