Nigerian student athletes competing in the U.S. delivered a series of standout performances across multiple track and field meets, setting personal and school records. At the LSU Battle on the Bayou, Ella Onojuwevwo clocked a stunning 51.01s for second place in the 400m and later secured a 23.25s finish in the 200m. Tima Godbless and Precious Nzeakor also had strong outings, posting 11.20s and 11.70s, respectively, in the 100m.
At the Texas Relays, Olaolu Olatunde recorded a collegiate best of 10.35s, while Prestina Ochonogor tied Tarleton State University’s school record with a 6.48m leap in the long jump. The depth of Nigerian talent was further highlighted at the UAB Invitational, where Chidinma Margaret Agu recorded her second fastest career time of 53.92s in the 400m, and at the Bobcat Invitational, where Ajayi Bamidele ran a collegiate best of 46.85s in the 400m. Joshua Caleb maintained his winning form from the indoor season, securing victory in the 200m at the Pacific Open with a time of 20.87s.
At the Raleigh Relays, Jude Okafor continued his improvement, clocking a personal best of 47.59s in the 400m, while at the Battle on the Bayou, Tiana Eyakpobeyan set a collegiate best of 23.65s in the 200m, finishing second in her heat. Beyond the sprints, Immaculate Daniel ran a personal best of 11.50s to advance to the Texas Relays 100m final, while Favour Madonna equaled his personal best of 10.38s in the men’s 100m. Jerry Jakpa and John Clifford also posted impressive times of 10.40s and 10.41s, respectively, in their 100m heats.
Reigning NJCAA Outdoor & Indoor champion, Mercy Honesty, leaped to a new school record of 13.35m to win the women’s triple jump event at the Texas State Bobcat Invitational, the mark stands as No. 6 in NJCAA history. Meanwhile, at the Bobcat Invitational, Donald Nwamere clocked 10.54s in the 100m, adding to the list of strong performances by Nigerian athletes this weekend. The performances from Nigerian athletes in the collegiate circuit not only underline their immense potential but also signal an exciting outdoor season ahead. With personal bests, school records, and strong finishes across multiple events, these athletes are setting the stage for a thrilling year in track and field.
