AFN hails Ajayi, Amusan as Nigeria excels in Eugene, Dakar
*AFN hails Ajayi, Amusan as Nigeria excels in Eugene, Dakar
Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has celebrated the outstanding performances of Nigerian athletes at the Wanda Diamond League in Eugene, Oregon, and the ongoing Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U18/U20 Championships in Dakar, Senegal.
In a statement issued by the AFN Media Coordinator, Dr Kola Oredipe, the federation’s President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, praised sprint sensation Kanyinsola Ajayi for an exceptional Diamond League debut.
Ajayi won the men’s 100 metres at the 2026 Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, clocking 9.84 seconds to equal his Nigerian record in a star-studded field. The reigning NCAA champion finished ahead of Jamaica’s reigning world champion, Oblique Seville, who placed second in 9.89 seconds.
Okowa described Ajayi’s victory as a significant statement ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
“What a way to announce himself on the big stage. Ajayi has shown remarkable consistency and deserves every accolade,” Okowa said.
The AFN President also commended world record holder Oluwatobi Amusan for finishing second in the women’s 100 metres hurdles.
Amusan clocked 12.34 seconds behind American Masai Russell, who won the race in 12.24 seconds.
Okowa described Amusan as a model of consistency and a global ambassador for Nigerian athletics, noting that her world record remains a source of national pride.
He also praised her unwavering commitment to representing Nigeria at international competitions.
“The best is yet to come for Tobi. We remain proud of her achievements and unwavering dedication to the country,” he stated.
Okowa equally congratulated other Nigerian athletes who competed in Eugene, including Ezekiel Nathaniel, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, Ella Onojuvwevwo and Favour Ofili.
He said Nathaniel’s decision to compete in the men’s 400 metres instead of the 400 metres hurdles highlighted his versatility, while applauding Enekwechi for recording a 21.36-metre throw to finish sixth in the men’s shot put.
According to Okowa, the performances demonstrated that Nigeria’s athletes are in encouraging form ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
He assured them of the federation’s continued support as preparations intensify for Team Nigeria’s training camp in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Okowa expressed confidence that, with the backing of the National Sports Commission, Team Nigeria would deliver an impressive performance in Glasgow.
Meanwhile, Team Nigeria continued its strong showing at the CAA U18/U20 Championships in Dakar, where the country’s U18 girls won gold in the medley relay to increase Nigeria’s gold medal tally to nine.
Okowa, who is President of CAA Region II and Senior Vice-President of the Confederation of African Athletics, praised the young athletes for their impressive performances.
He expressed confidence that the emerging talents would reinforce Nigeria’s future dominance in African and global athletics.
