NSC Hails Ajayi, Amusan, Others for Impressive Prefontaine Classic Performances
Oru Leonard
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has congratulated Nigeria’s top athletics stars for their outstanding performances at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, describing their exploits as another strong indication of the country’s growing strength in global athletics ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
Director-General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, commended the athletes for representing Nigeria with distinction on one of the biggest stages in world athletics.
Olopade said the performances reflected the exceptional quality of Nigerian athletes competing both at home and abroad, expressing confidence that even greater achievements lie ahead.
“These performances are great news for Nigerian athletics and further demonstrate the incredible talents of our athletes, whether based at home or abroad. They belong among the very best in the world, and it can only get better for them.
“The Eugene Diamond League also made it very obvious that our athletes are in excellent shape ahead of the Commonwealth Games,” he said.
Leading Nigeria’s impressive outing was sprint sensation Kanyinsola Ajayi, who announced himself on the Diamond League stage in style by winning the men’s 100 metres on his debut appearance.
Ajayi equalled the Nigerian record with a blistering 9.84 seconds to finish ahead of reigning world champion Oblique Seville of Jamaica, who clocked 9.89 seconds, while American Christian Coleman placed third in 9.95 seconds.
World record holder Tobi Amusan also continued her impressive form by finishing second in the women’s 100 metres hurdles in 12.34 seconds behind American Masai Russell, who won in 12.24 seconds. Devynne Charlton finished third in 12.41 seconds.
In the men’s 400 metres, Ezekiel Nathaniel recorded a season’s best of 45.32 seconds to place eighth, while Botswana’s Busang Collen Kebinatshipi won the race in 44.00 seconds.
Nigeria’s leading shot put athlete, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, finished sixth after recording a best throw of 21.36 metres.
Ella Onojuvwevwo also impressed on her Diamond League debut, placing fifth in the women’s 400 metres with another sub-51-second performance of 50.67 seconds. Jamaica’s Dejanea Oakley won the race in 49.67 seconds.
The NSC noted that the athletes’ performances have provided a major boost to Team Nigeria’s preparations for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Olopade congratulated all the athletes and wished them injury-free preparations as they intensify their build-up to the Games.
“I congratulate all our athletes and wish them injury-free preparations and competitions. Their performances will inspire other members of Team Nigeria as we continue our final preparations for Glasgow,” he said.
The athletes are expected to join their teammates currently camping in Aberdeen before the contingent moves to Glasgow, Scotland, for the Commonwealth Games.
Olopade also expressed satisfaction with the steady progress of Team Nigeria’s training camp in Aberdeen, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to providing the necessary support to ensure the country’s athletes are fully prepared to compete successfully and make Nigeria proud on the international stage.
