Dabiri-Erewa Celebrates Ajayi, Anunoby for Outstanding Global Sporting Feats
Oru Leonard
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has celebrated Nigerian sprint sensation Ajayi Kayinsola and British-Nigerian basketball star OG Anunoby for their outstanding achievements on the global sporting stage.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday, Dabiri-Erewa described both athletes as shining examples of Nigerian excellence, resilience, and determination, noting that their accomplishments continue to elevate Nigeria’s image across the world.
She commended Ajayi, a native of Ikorodu, Lagos State, for his meteoric rise in international athletics and his record-breaking performances while proudly representing Nigeria.
According to her, Ajayi’s historic qualification for the 100m final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships marked the first time in 18 years that a Nigerian reached the event’s final, rekindling national pride and optimism for the country’s athletics future.
Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the sprinter’s remarkable 2026 campaign, which began with a national record time of 6.45 seconds to win the 60m title at the SEC Indoor Championships, equalling both African and NCAA collegiate records before repeating the feat at the NCAA Indoor Championships.
She further noted that Ajayi went on to break the long-standing Nigerian 100m record previously held by Olusoji Fasuba, clocking a world-leading 9.84 seconds to become the fastest man in the world over the distance this season.
The NiDCOM boss also praised Ajayi’s recent triumph at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, where he won the 100m title with a wind-assisted 9.72 seconds, the fastest all-conditions time ever recorded by an African athlete.
“His success story underscores the importance of investing in youth development, sports, and talent discovery. We are proud of his accomplishments and confident that he will continue to make Nigeria proud on the global stage,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
She urged corporate organisations, sports stakeholders, and relevant authorities to continue supporting and celebrating outstanding Nigerians whose achievements contribute positively to the nation’s global reputation.
The NiDCOM Chairman also lauded Anunoby for his pivotal role in the New York Knicks dramatic Game 4 victory in the NBA Finals.
According to her, the London-born player of Nigerian parentage delivered a defining moment when he tipped in a shot attempt by Jalen Brunson with 1.2 seconds remaining, helping the Knicks complete a remarkable comeback from a 29-point deficit.
Dabiri-Erewa described the feat as inspiring and reflective of the resilience, determination, and excellence associated with Nigerians in the diaspora.
“On behalf of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and Nigerians at home and abroad, I congratulate OG Anunoby on this historic accomplishment.
His outstanding performance on one of basketball’s biggest stages reflects the immense potential of Nigerians and those of Nigerian heritage who continue to excel globally,” she stated.
She noted that Anunoby’s game-winning contribution had inspired young basketball enthusiasts in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and beyond, while also commending him for remaining an exemplary ambassador of his Nigerian heritage.
Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to celebrating Nigerians in the diaspora who continue to distinguish themselves in sports and other fields, contributing positively to the image and reputation of Nigeria globally.
She wished both Ajayi and Anunoby continued success in their careers, expressing confidence that their achievements would inspire future generations of athletes of Nigerian descent.
