Nigeria’s sprint talent continues to gain momentum on the global stage as Kanyinsola Ajayi, Alaba Akintola, and Ezekiel Nathaniel delivered headline-worthy performances across Europe and the United States.
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Ajayi Matches PB with Statement Win in France
At the Meeting de Sotteville in France, Kanyinsola Ajayi powered to victory in the men’s 100 metres, equalling his personal best of 9.92 seconds with a wind reading of +1.7 m/s. This remarkable time matches his performance at the 2025 NCAA Championships, reinforcing his status as one of the fastest emerging sprinters in world athletics.
Ajayi held off a competitive field that included Emmanuel Eseme, who finished second in 10.04 seconds, and Mamadou Fall Sarr, third in 10.10 seconds. British sprinter Eugene Amo-Dadzie followed in fourth with 10.16 seconds.
Alaba Akintola Dominates in Italy
In Italy, Alaba Akintola put together an impressive sprint double at the Meeting Arcobaleno. Competing in the 100 metres, Akintola posted the fastest overall time across 11 heats, clocking 10.35 seconds into a strong headwind of -2.2 m/s. He claimed victory in Heat 11, ahead of Jamaica’s Michael Campbell (10.43s) and Cuba’s Reynaldo Espinosa (10.46s).
Later in the day, Akintola returned to the track to win the 200 metres with a time of 20.61 seconds, the fastest across all three heats. His performances suggest he is rounding into form just in time for the Nigerian Olympic Trials later this month in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
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Ezekiel Nathaniel: A Historic NCAA Season Recognized
Meanwhile, in the United States, Ezekiel Nathaniel has officially been named a finalist for the 2025 Bowerman Award, the highest individual honour in NCAA Track and Field.
Nathaniel’s 2025 season has been nothing short of phenomenal. The Baylor University hurdler has shattered records and secured multiple titles, including:
- NCAA 400m Hurdles Champion
- NCAA Indoor 400m Silver Medalist
- Big 12 Indoor 400m Champion
- Big 12 Outdoor 400mH Champion
- Big 12 Indoor 4x400m Champion
- USTFCCCA Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year
He also broke eight national and continental records, including:
- 4× Nigerian Records (400mH, indoor 400m)
- 2× African Records (indoor 400m)
- Third-fastest 400m hurdler in NCAA history
- Eighth-fastest man ever indoors in the 400m
His personal bests include:
- 400m – 44.74 (Indoor National and African Record)
- 400m Hurdles – 47.49 (Nigerian Record)
Fans can support Nathaniel by voting for him at ustfccca.org/the-bowerman. Voting is open five times per day per email address.
Picture Credit: Making of Champions
