Nigeria’s athletics contingent produced several standout results at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, prompting the National Sports Commission (NSC) to send congratulations to the athletes as they build toward the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Sprinter Kanyinsola Ajayi starred on his Diamond League debut, taking victory in the men’s 100 metres. He matched the Nigerian record by running 9.84 seconds, clocked with a 0.1 m/s tailwind, and crossed the line ahead of reigning world champion Oblique Seville of Jamaica, who finished in 9.89 seconds. American Christian Coleman completed the podium in 9.95 seconds.
In the women’s 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan—Nigeria’s world record holder—finished second with a time of 12.34 seconds. Masai Russell of the United States won the event in 12.24 seconds, while Devynne Charlton from the Bahamas claimed third place in 12.41 seconds.
Ezekiel Nathaniel posted a season best of 45.32 seconds to place eighth in the men’s 400 metres. Botswana’s Busang Collen Kebinatshipi took the win in 44.00 seconds. In the men’s shot put, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi recorded 21.36 metres to finish sixth.
Ella Onojuvwevwo also debuted in the Diamond League, ending fifth in the women’s 400 metres with 50.67 seconds, continuing her run of sub-51-second form. Dejanea Oakley of Jamaica won the race in 49.67 seconds.
NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade said the performances offer a timely lift for Team Nigeria ahead of Glasgow.
“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 sport, and it can only get better for them,” she said.
“Also, the Eugene Diamond League made it very obvious that our athletes are in excellent shape ahead of the Commonwealth Games.”
Olopade added that the athletes will link up with their teammates training in Aberdeen before the squad travels on to Glasgow for the Games.
