AFN Hails Nigerian Athletes’ Heroics at NCAA Championships, Predicts Bright Future
Oru Leonard
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has praised the outstanding performances of Nigerian athletes at the 2026 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon, describing their achievements as a strong indication of a bright future for Nigerian athletics.
Nigeria’s contingent delivered remarkable performances, with Kanyinsola Ajayi and Samuel Ogazi emerging as national heroes after clinching the men’s 100 metres and 400 metres titles respectively.
Ajayi stole the spotlight with a sensational sprint performance, winning the men’s 100m final in a wind-assisted 9.72 seconds. Earlier in the competition, the Auburn University athlete had lowered the Nigerian record to 9.84 seconds, further cementing his status as one of the country’s fastest sprinters. His victory made him only the third Nigerian to win the prestigious NCAA 100m title after Olapade Adenekan and Divine Oduduru.
Ogazi also produced a championship-defining performance, storming to victory in the men’s 400m in a world-leading 43.38 seconds. The Alabama University star shattered the longstanding NCAA record and strengthened his reputation as one of the most promising quarter-milers in global athletics.
Nigeria’s impressive outing was further highlighted by Israel Okon, who claimed silver in the men’s 200m with a personal best time of 19.99 seconds.
Reacting to the performances, AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, described the results as highly encouraging and a testament to the quality of Nigerian talent emerging on the international stage.
“The results from Eugene are extremely encouraging for Nigerian athletics. Our athletes have demonstrated courage, discipline, consistency and world-class ability throughout the championships,” Okowa said.
“To see young Nigerians excelling at such a prestigious competition is gratifying. Their performances are proof that the future of our sport is in very capable hands.”
Okowa reserved special praise for Ajayi, noting that although his winning time could not be recognised as an official African record due to favourable wind conditions, it demonstrated the athlete’s immense potential.
“A time of 9.72 seconds is extraordinary under any circumstance. Although the wind reading prevents it from being recognised as an official African record, it clearly shows the level Kanyinsola has attained. We believe it is only a matter of time before he achieves even greater milestones,” he said.
The AFN President also commended Ogazi’s record-breaking performance and applauded all Nigerian athletes who represented their universities with distinction during the championships.
“Samuel’s NCAA record and Israel’s podium finish are further proof of the quality of Nigerian talent currently emerging. These athletes are flying the Nigerian flag high and inspiring the next generation back home,” he added.
Okowa reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to creating opportunities for athletes to reach their full potential, expressing confidence that greater achievements await Nigerian athletics in the years ahead.
The performances in Eugene have further boosted optimism within Nigerian athletics circles as the country continues to produce world-class talents capable of competing at the highest level of the sport.
