The 2025 NCAA Track and Field Championships in Oregon delivered a mix of jubilation and heartbreak for Nigerian athletes — from a disputed foul that cost a medal to national records and historic victories.
Controversy in the Cage: Vincent Ugwoke’s Foul Drama
Vincent Ugwoke was moments away from a podium finish in the men’s Discus Throw when drama struck. The Nigerian initially climbed into 3rd place in the fifth round with a massive 63.73m throw — a mark that would have been a Personal Best. But a protest from another coach led to a video review, which ruled the attempt a foul. The mark was nullified, and Ugwoke dropped down the rankings. He ended the final in 7th place, with his best legal throw coming in the third round at 60.58m. The event was eventually won by Ralford Mullings, who threw a Personal Best of 69.31m.
Read Also: From Hype Queen to Defender: Phyna and IsraelDMW Lock Horns Over Ex-Wife Sheila
Track Triumphs: Ogazi and Nathaniel Make History
Samuel Ogazi blazed to NCAA glory in the men’s 400m final, winning with an authoritative 44.84s. Not only did he dominate the race, but he also became Alabama’s first champion in the event since the legendary Kirani James. Even more significantly, he is now only the second Nigerian man ever to win the NCAA 400m outdoor title, following in the footsteps of Clement Chukwu, who did it in 1999.
Meanwhile, Ezekiel Nathaniel raised the bar once again in the men’s 400m Hurdles. The 20-year-old clocked an astounding 47.49s, setting a new Nigerian national record for the fourth time this year. It was also the NCAA season lead and earned him a dominant gold medal finish ahead of Ja’Qualon Scott and Kody Blackwood.
Read Also: From Setback to Supremacy: Stormers SC Secures NNL Return in Ibadan Thriller
Speedsters on Fire: Chukwuma, Ajayi, Godbless Make Their Mark
In the women’s 100m, Rosemary Chukwuma hit the Tokyo 2025 World Championships qualifying standard with a season’s best of 11.03s at the Star Athletics Sprint Series in Florida. Her electrifying performance made her the third Nigerian woman to qualify for the global stage, joining Favour Ofili and Tima Godbless.
Tima Godbless, competing for LSU, claimed bronze in the women’s 100m at the NCAA Championships, clocking 11.18s. It was a tight finish, just 0.006s ahead of 4th place. The event was won by Samirah Moody in 11.14s.
Kanyinsola Ajayi narrowly missed a medal in the men’s 100m final, finishing 4th in 10.13s, while his teammate Sunday Israel Okon came in 7th with 10.18s. The title went to Jordan Anthony in 10.07s.
Read Also: Farewell After the Fight: Abakaliki FC Relegated Despite Best Away Win of the Season
Onojuvwevwo Misses Medal by a Whisker
Ella Onojuvwevwo came agonizingly close to a podium finish in the women’s 400m. Despite a powerful finish, she was edged out by Rosey Effiong for third place. Effiong ran 50.51s to Onojuvwevwo’s personal best of 50.57s. The gold medal was clinched by Aaliyah Butler with a staggering 49.26s.
Picture Credit: Making of Champions Facebook Page
