The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has congratulated sprinter Kanyinsola Ajayi and quarter-miler Samuel Ogazi following their outstanding performances at the NCAA East Regional Championships in the United States.
Ajayi, representing Auburn University, produced a remarkable run in the men’s 100 metres, clocking a world-leading 9.84 seconds to break the long-standing Nigerian record of 9.85 seconds set by Olusoji Fasuba in Doha in 2006.
The historic performance ended Fasuba’s two-decade hold on the national record and further established Ajayi as one of the leading sprint prospects in world athletics.
Ogazi also delivered an impressive display, recording a world-leading 43.82 seconds in the men’s 400 metres. The University of Alabama athlete’s performance marked a new personal best and strengthened his credentials ahead of upcoming international competitions.
Reacting to the athletes’ achievements, AFN President Tonobok Okowa praised Ajayi, Ogazi and several other Nigerian athletes excelling at the ongoing NCAA East and West Regionals.
“We are very proud of the success of our athletes doing great things in the ongoing NCAA East and West Regionals in the US and other meets. Kanyinsola Ajayi, Samuel Ogazi, Israel Okon, Nicholas Fakorede, Alaba Akintola, Edidiong Udo, Joshua Caleb, Charles Godfred, Favour Onyah, Chioma Nwachukwu, Tima Godbless, Ella Onojuvwevwo, Prestina Ochonogor, John Caleb and David Akhalu, among others, have done very well,” Okowa said.
The AFN president also expressed delight that many of the Nigerian athletes had secured qualification for the 2026 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships scheduled to take place in Eugene, Oregon, next month.
“I am equally happy that many of them punched their tickets to the 2026 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene next month. I say congratulations,” he added.
Okowa further assured the athletes of the federation’s support as they prepare for their respective finals and the NCAA championships, expressing confidence in their ability to continue making Nigeria proud on the international stage.
