Ajayi shines, Amusan impress as Nigerian Stars deliver strong Prefontaine Classic performances
Nigeria's track and field athletes produced a series of encouraging performances at the prestigious Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, sending a strong message ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games with displays that underlined their readiness for major international competition.
The standout performance came from sprint sensation Kanyinsola Ajayi, who announced his arrival on the Diamond League stage in spectacular style by winning the men's 100 metres on his debut.
The Nigerian speedster equalled the national record with a blistering 9.84 seconds (0.1 m/s), finishing ahead of reigning world champion Oblique Seville of Jamaica (9.89s), while American Christian Coleman settled for third in 9.95 seconds.
World record holder Tobi Amusan also continued her impressive form, finishing second in the women's 100 metres hurdles with a season-boosting time of 12.34 seconds. American Masai Russell claimed victory in 12.24 seconds, with Devynne Charlton placing third in 12.41 seconds.
In the women's 400 metres, Ella Onojuvwevwo delivered another consistent performance in her Diamond League debut, finishing fifth in 50.67 seconds. The Nigerian quarter-miler once again ran under 51 seconds, highlighting her growing consistency against elite opposition. Jamaica's Dejanea Oakley won the race in 49.67 seconds.
Ezekiel Nathaniel also posted a season's best of 45.32 seconds in the men's 400 metres, finishing eighth in a highly competitive field won by Botswana's Busang Collen Kebinatshipi in 44.00 seconds.
Nigeria's leading shot put athlete, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, maintained his competitiveness on the international circuit with a best throw of 21.36 metres to finish sixth.
Reacting to the athletes' performances, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, described the outings as another indication that Nigeria's athletes are peaking at the right time.
"These performances are great news for Nigerian athletics and further demonstrate the incredible talents of our athletes home or abroad. Without overstating, they belong to the very top of their sports and it can only get better for them.
"Also, the Eugene Diamond League made it very obvious that our athletes are in excellent shape ahead of the Commonwealth Games."
The NSC believes the performances have provided Team Nigeria with valuable momentum as preparations intensify for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
"I congratulate all our athletes and wish them injury-free preparations and competitions. Their performances will inspire other members of Team Nigeria as we continue our final preparations for Glasgow."
The athletes are expected to link up with their teammates already camping in Aberdeen before Team Nigeria heads to Glasgow, Scotland, for the Commonwealth Games.
The National Sports Commission also reaffirmed its commitment to providing the necessary support to ensure Team Nigeria is fully prepared to compete successfully and make the nation proud.
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