The NCAA Championships are making a triumphant return to Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, and there’s no shortage of excitement as 22 talented Nigerian athletes prepare to take center stage from June 11th to 14th. Representing colleges and universities across the United States, these athletes are not just aiming for collegiate glory—they’re rewriting history and pushing the boundaries of Nigerian athletics on the global stage.
Leading the charge is Temitope Adeshina, who stunned the world with her NCAA Indoor title in the women’s High Jump—the first Nigerian to ever claim that crown. Adeshina, who equaled her own national record of 1.97m to qualify for the World Championships, faces a fierce rematch with 2024 NCAA co-champions Rose Yeboah and Elena Kulichenko. It’s a battle that promises to be one for the ages.
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Meanwhile, Tima Godbless is determined to build on her stellar form this season. After a heartbreaking disqualification for a false start at the NCAA Indoor 60m final, she rebounded with a sizzling 10.91s personal best in the 100m preliminaries—making her the fastest woman in the NCAA this season. But she’ll face stiff competition from JaMeesia Ford, Indya Mayberry, Kaila Jackson, and a stacked USC sprinting squad.
In the women’s 400m, Ella Onojuvwevwo of LSU has been steadily gaining momentum. The field is stacked, with Olympian Aaliyah Butler blazing the trail at 49.44s, and Dejanea Oakley of Georgia and Jamaica also in the mix. Onojuvwevwo will need to be at her best to break into the medals.
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Prestina Ochonogor, fresh off an Olympic final appearance, enters the women’s Long Jump as a genuine medal contender. Her season’s best of 6.67m is impressive, but Alexis Brown has already soared to 7.03m this year, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.
In the men’s events, Ezekiel Nathaniel is a name to watch. The Baylor star set new national records in both rounds of the Big 12 Championships, clocking 47.89s in the 400m hurdles—making him the third-fastest man in the world this year. Nathaniel, who nearly won the indoor title earlier this season, is on a mission to finally clinch the NCAA outdoor crown.
Samuel Ogazi has overcome a rocky start to the year, bouncing back from injury to win the SEC title and secure his place at the Championships with a scorching 44.43s run. He’ll be up against Micahi Danzy and Auhmad Robinson in what promises to be an electrifying men’s 400m final.
Edidiong Udo has also turned heads with his switch from the 800m to 400m—setting a personal best of 45.19s despite enduring personal loss with the passing of his parents. His resilience and talent make him one of the most inspiring athletes to watch in Eugene.
The 100m showdown will be spearheaded by the Auburn duo of Kayinsola Ajayi and Israel Okon. Ajayi, a 2024 bronze medalist in Oregon, has clocked 9.96s and 9.95s this season, while Okon, battling injury, still managed to qualify in his debut year.
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Charles Godfred has been unbeatable in the Long Jump this season, boasting an 8.10m best—second in the NCAA behind the nation’s leading mark. In the Discus Throw, Vincent Ugwoke has launched himself into fifth place nationally with a massive 63.75m personal best.
Here’s the complete list of Nigerian stars to watch:
Women:
Tima Godbless – 100m, 200m, 4x100m
Precious Nzeakor – 200m
Ella Onojuvwevwo – 400m, 4x400m
Favour Onyah – 400m
Adaobi Tabugbo – 100mH, 4x100m
Temitope Adeshina – High Jump
Prestina Ochonogor – Long Jump
Faith Okwose – 4x100m
Elo Blessing Okpah – 4x100m
Chioma Nwachukwu – 4x400m
Mercy Umoibang – 4x400m
Esther Joseph – 4x400m
Opeyemi Oke – 4x400m
Men:
Kayinsola Ajayi – 100m, 4x100m
Sunday Israel Okon – 100m
Samuel Ogazi – 400m, 4x400m
Edidiong Udo – 400m, 4x400m
Ezekiel Nathaniel – 400mH, 4x400m
Charles Godfred – Long Jump
Vincent Ugwoke – Discus Throw
John Clifford – 4x100m
James Onwuka – 4x400m
The 2025 NCAA Championships will not only showcase the best of collegiate athletics but also serve as a testament to the talent and determination of Nigerian athletes. As these 22 stars take to the track and field, they’re not just competing for medals—they’re inspiring a nation.
Picture Credit: Making of Champions Facebook Page
