By Maxwell Kumoye and Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye
Nigerian athletics stakeholders have showered praises on rising stars Kanyinsola Ajayi, Samuel Ogazi and Israel Okon following their outstanding performances at the ongoing NCAA East and West Regionals in the United States.
The trio headlined another memorable outing for Nigerian athletes competing in the American collegiate circuit, with Ajayi stealing the spotlight after smashing the long-standing Nigerian men's 100m record with a blistering 9.84 seconds, eclipsing the previous mark of 9.85 seconds set by Olusoji Fasuba in 2006.
Ajayi's historic feat, coupled with impressive performances from Ogazi, Okon and several other Nigerians, sparked celebrations among officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), who described the achievements as further proof that the country remains a force in global athletics.
AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, praised the athletes for their remarkable progress and dedication, noting that their performances have once again projected Nigeria positively on the international stage.
"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.
"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."
The reaction from Fasuba, whose national record stood for two decades before Ajayi's breakthrough, reflected the spirit of sportsmanship and optimism that has greeted the young sprinter's achievement.
"First of all, congratulations to Kanyinsola Ajayi for breaking the record. Records are meant to be broken, and I am pleased to see Nigerian athletics continuing to move forward," said the former World Championships finalist and Olympic bronze medallist.
Fasuba believes Ajayi's current trajectory could see him challenge the African record of 9.77 seconds held by Kenya-born sprint star Ferdinand Omanyala.
"Based on his current form, I believe he can run even faster. What has impressed me most is not just the time, but the consistency he has shown at a high level.
"I wish him continued success and look forward to seeing how much further he can take the record."
The Nigerian sprint legend also used the occasion to urge athletics administrators to sustain efforts aimed at discovering and nurturing future champions.
"Beyond celebrating his achievement, we should also use moments like this to inspire the next generation. While supporting Ajayi and our current stars, we need to keep identifying and developing the next talents coming through the system.
"A healthy athletics programme is one where there is always another generation ready to challenge the standards set by those before them.
"The best way to encourage athletes is to continue providing opportunities, quality coaching, competition, and recognition for their achievements. Ajayi's success should serve as motivation for young athletes across the country that with hard work and the right support, they too can reach the highest level."
AFN Second Vice President Rosa Collins also joined in celebrating the performances of Ajayi, Ogazi and the growing contingent of Nigerian athletes making waves in the NCAA.
"Good times for Nigerian athletes! Hopefully the women also perform well. Awesome," she said.
Expressing delight at the athletes' rapid development, Collins added: "I'm so proud of and happy for these kids. I'm excited for them that their hard work is paying off. Truly."
With Ajayi rewriting history, Ogazi continuing to establish himself as one of Nigeria's brightest quarter-milers, and Okon maintaining his impressive rise in the sprint ranks, Nigerian athletics appears to be enjoying a golden moment ahead of the NCAA Championships in Eugene and the international season beyond.
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