Nigeria’s Kanyinsola Ajayi matched the national 100 metres record with a blistering 9.84 seconds to take victory at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League meeting in Eugene, Oregon. Ajayi’s finish saw him hold off reigning world champion Oblique Seville and former world champion Christian Coleman in a standout debut at Diamond League level.
At a glance
- Kanyinsola Ajayi won the 100m at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League in Eugene, Oregon.
- His time of 9.84 seconds equalled Nigeria’s national record.
- He beat reigning world champion Oblique Seville and former world champion Christian Coleman.
- The result came on Ajayi’s Diamond League debut.
- The 21-year-old believes the NCAA system helped accelerate his pro breakthrough.
- Ajayi is targeting improvement while aiming for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2027 World Athletics Championships.
The 21-year-old delivered the performance on his first appearance in the Diamond League circuit, instantly placing him among the sport’s top-tier sprinters. The display is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s medal prospects as attention turns to the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2027 World Athletics Championships.
Speaking after the race, Ajayi highlighted consistency as his guiding principle. “Consistency is my biggest goal. I know what I’m capable of, and I want to keep performing at this level every time I step onto the track,” he said.
Ajayi, previously linked with Auburn University, pointed to the competitive structure of American college athletics as a key factor in his rapid progression. He credited the NCAA environment with preparing him for high-pressure races and sharpening his confidence against elite opposition.
“The NCAA prepared me for moments like this. Racing against top athletes every week gave me the confidence to compete on the professional stage,” Ajayi added.
Even with the national record equalled, Ajayi insists there is still more to come. He said his priorities remain staying fit, trusting his coach, and continuing to refine every part of his sprinting as he looks ahead to the Commonwealth Games and World Championships.
