By Samuel Akpan
History was made at the NCAA East Regional Championships as Nigerian sprinting sensations Kanyinsola Ajayi and Samuel Ogazi shattered records and ignited national pride with world-class performances.
Leading the charge was Auburn University’s Ajayi, who clocked a blistering, world-leading 9.84 seconds in the men’s 100m.
With that explosive run, Ajayi officially erased Olusoji Fasuba’s legendary 9.85-second national record, a historic milestone that had stood untouched for two decades since it was set in Doha back in 2006.
Meanwhile, University of Alabama’s Samuel Ogazi produced a stunning 43.82 seconds in the 400m, setting a new personal best and another world-leading mark for the season.
Tonobok Okowa, President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), commended the athletes for their performances, noting that a significant contingent of Nigerian competitors are currently excelling at both the NCAA regional championships and international track events.
“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,” Okowa said.
He specifically lauded 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, David Akhalu, among others, for their outstanding displays.
The AFN chief expressed delight that many of these athletes have qualified for the 2026 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships scheduled for Eugene next month.
Okowa extended warm congratulations to the athletes, noting that the federation’s prayers and support remain with them as they prepare for their respective finals and the prestigious national collegiate showdown in Eugene.
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