The 2026 indoor season continues to deliver unforgettable moments for Nigerian athletics, and this past weekend was defined by two outstanding national record performances. Edose Ibadin and Temitope Adeshina stood tall at the forefront, setting the tone for yet another dominant showing by Nigerian athletes across sprints, middle distance, hurdles, and field events on the collegiate and international stages.
At the PSU National Open, Edose Ibadin opened his season in emphatic fashion, clocking 1:46.38 in the men’s 800m to set a new Nigerian indoor national record alongside a personal best. The performance is I was underlined his growing stature in the event and marked a historic milestone for Nigerian middle-distance running indoors.
In the field, Temitope Adeshina delivered another statement jump at the Razorback Invitational, clearing 1.97m in the women’s high jump to equal her own Nigerian national record. The leap reaffirmed her consistency at elite heights and placed her firmly among the top high jumpers competing this indoor season.
With the national records setting the pace, Nigerian athletes continued to shine across multiple competitions.
Sprints remain a stronghold for Nigerian athletes. At the Bob Pollock Invitational, Kanyinsola Ajayi, World Athletics Championships 100m finalist, cruised through the men’s 60m heats in 6.55s. Auburn teammate Israel Okon followed closely, running 6.61s in the heats before improving to 6.58s in the semifinals to secure a place in the final. Adekalu Fakorede stepped up impressively, posting 6.73s in the heats and a season best 6.67s in the final. Okon also showcased his versatility with a collegiate best 20.82s in the men’s 200m.
At the Washburn Open, Gift Orionoma advanced in the men’s 60m with 6.85s, while Gracious Ushie qualified with 6.82s. Surprise Babalola, a Dillard University freshman, impressed at the Jaguar Invite, running 6.86s in the heats before improving to 6.77s in the final.
Joshua Caleb continued his strong form at the Razorback Invitational, clocking 6.60s in the 60m semifinals after opening with 6.71s, a new season best and No. 5 all-time in LSU history. Lucky Daje added 21.48s in the 200m, while Success Umukoro ran 7.30s in the women’s 60m, with teammate Olayinka Olajide close behind in 7.34s. Rejoice Sule posted 7.61s, building early-season momentum.
Freshman Promise Amasiatu of Lindsey Wilson continues to impress since arriving from Nigeria. At the UL PNC Lenny Lyles Indoor, she ran personal bests of 7.51s (60m) and 24.50s (200m), before improving to 7.46s in the 60m final, now ranked New NAIA No. 3.
In the women’s 60m hurdles, Adaobi Tabugbo is finding her rhythm on her European tour, progressing from 8.43s to 8.34s, before hitting a season best 8.15s at the Meeting Indoor de Limoges. Mary Laha of Iowa Western improved from 8.78s in the heats to 8.68s in the finals, now ranked New NJCAA No. 6.
Beyond Ibadin’s national record, middle distance runners also delivered solid performances. At the Bob Pollock Invitational, Ramat Jimoh of Mississippi State ran 2:07.63 in the women’s 800m, followed by freshman teammate Ife Adisa, who clocked a personal best 2:08.28. Salisu Habibu recorded 1:57.59 in the men’s 800m at the Washburn Open, gaining valuable race experience.
In the jumps, Daramola Ibukun produced a personal best 7.82m in the long jump at Bob Pollock Invitational, ranking as the Nigerian leader, 7th in the SEC, and No. 13 in the NCAA and breaking Auburn school record in the process. Tobechukwu Nwokocha followed closely with 7.78m at the Tryon Banked Invitational, now NCAA DII No. 1 for 2026.
Grace Oshiokpu recorded a personal best 13.44m in the triple jump, In the throw Esther Osisike delivered 19.94m in the weight throw, finishing 2nd overall and ranking 4th all-time in Houston school history.
Elsewhere, Raphael Egbuchilem ran 47.88s in the 400m at the New Mexico Team Open following surgery. Blessing Akintoye etched her name into UNM history with a program record 23.61s in the 200m, while Success Umukoro ran 23.68s and Olayinka Olajide clocked 23.79s at the Razorback Invitational. Jerry Jakpa added 21.18s in the 200m and 6.83s in the 60m.
From national records to personal bests and program milestones, Nigerian athletes have delivered across every facet of the 2026 indoor season. With consistency, versatility, and momentum on their side, this record breaking weekend signals that the peak of the indoor season and championship success is still ahead.