The Athletics Federation of Nigeria has congratulated sprint sensation Kanyinsola Ajayi and quarter-miler Samuel Ogazi following their record-breaking performances at the NCAA East Regional Championships in the United States, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Ajayi, who competes for Auburn University, set a 2026 world lead in the men’s 100m with a time of 9.84 seconds, shattering the Nigerian record of 9.85 seconds that Olusoji Fasuba had held for 20 years since setting it in Doha in 2006.
Ogazi, a student of the University of Alabama, also posted a world-leading 43.82 seconds in the 400m to set a new personal best.
AFN President Tonobok Okowa hailed both athletes and a wider group of Nigerians who have shone at the ongoing NCAA 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.
“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!”
Okowa added that the federation’s prayers remain with the athletes ahead of their respective finals and the Eugene championships.
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