Nigerian athletes record personal bests, school records and major victories across Jarvis Scott Invite, Tyson Invitational, Tiger Paw Invitational and international meets
Nigerian sprint sensation Esther Joseph produced the defining performance of the weekend, leading a wave of outstanding results by Nigerian athletes across the NCAA indoor circuit with a historic run that highlighted a remarkable showing for the country’s collegiate stars.
Competing at the Tyson Invitational in Fayetteville, Joseph stormed to victory in the women’s 200m, clocking a sensational 22.94 seconds Personal Best, a performance that elevated her to No. 8 on the African all-time indoor list. The Nigerian sprinter has now recorded personal bests in every individual event she has contested in 2026, continuing a flawless indoor campaign marked by steady improvement and growing dominance. Racing exclusively indoors this season, Joseph’s progression signals an athlete entering elite territory at exactly the right moment of the year. Her performance set the tone for what became one of the strongest collective weekends by Nigerian athletes this indoor season.
The weekend’s surge began at the Jarvis Scott Invite, where several Nigerian athletes delivered statement performances across sprint and field events. Blessing Akintoye enjoyed a standout competition, first clocking 23.70s to win Heat 3 of the women’s 200m before returning to produce a career-defining performance in the women’s 400m. The West Texas A&M junior powered to 53.01s, securing victory, a Personal Best, and a new school record, highlighting her growing strength over one lap.
Success Umukoro continued her consistent season with an impressive 23.21s performance in the women’s 200m, finishing inside the top two and reinforcing her competitive form.
In the sprints, Olayinka Olajide delivered one of the meet’s biggest statements, sprinting to a 7.32s Personal Best to win the women’s 60m after earlier running 7.38s in qualifying. Her repeated sub 7.40 performances underline exceptional consistency this season.
Maria Umoibang added a solid 7.63s effort, finishing third in her heat, while freshman hurdler Faith Osamuyi announced herself with authority, clocking an 8.25s Personal Best in the women’s 60m hurdles to qualify automatically for the next round a strong indicator of her rapid adaptation to collegiate competition.
Field events also delivered success as Oghenefejirọ Praise soared to victory in the women’s long jump with a 6.16m Personal Best, showcasing excellent rhythm and takeoff execution.
Mercy Honesty continued her upward trajectory in the women’s triple jump, recording a 13.52m Personal Best to finish fifth overall. The Illinois junior has now consistently surpassed the 13 metre barrier this season, signaling major technical progress.
Nigeria’s sprint depth was again evident in the women’s 200m, Rejoice Sule produced a 23.58s season best, winning Heat 6. Victory Godah clocked 23.75s, a Personal Best that ranks as the second fastest indoor performance in Minnesota school history, confirming her rising form.
Quarter milers also impressed strongly. Chioma Nwachukwu ran 52.60s to finish second in her section, while Onyah Favour extended her winning streak with 53.44s, showing consistency and race control. Success Duruzor recorded a 54.93s Season’s Best, and Osaretin Usenbor added 54.33s as she continues building race rhythm.
In the men’s events, freshman David Akhalu clocked 47.01s, gaining valuable experience, while Edidiong Udo opened his indoor 400m campaign impressively with 45.65s, finishing second and signaling serious early season form.
The jumps also delivered strong results as Emmanuel Njoku produced a 7.93m Personal Best in the men’s long jump to finish second overall.
At the Tiger Paw Invitational, Nigerian sprinters continued their dominance. Kanyinsola Ajayi led the charge with a commanding 6.54s Season Best, topping the overall men’s 60m standings. Israel Okon followed with 6.59s, winning his heat, while Adekalu Fakorede matched 6.59s for a Season Best victory in his section. Israel Okon further strengthened his weekend resume by producing a 20.63s Personal Best in the men’s 200m, winning his section and finishing second overall a performance confirming his growing strength over the half lap distance.
Joshua Caleb added a strong 6.66s, winning his heat.
In the women’s sprints, Faith Dennis recorded a 7.58s Personal Best, while Adetutu Aladeloye opened her season with a promising 7.59s performance.
Elsewhere, Magdalene George captured victory at the Battle Born Classic with 7.36s in the women’s 60m, while Stella Ayanleke produced a 7.49s Personal Best at the Simbine Classic Shootout in South Africa.
In Europe, Olympic finalist Enoch Adegoke continued his return to top form, running a 6.70s Personal Best at the Erfurt Indoor Meet, while Fola Olaoye finished second in 6.63s, maintaining consistent sub 6.70 performances.
Nigeria’s field event strength was further highlighted by Chidozie Kalu, who marked his competitive return after nearly two years away with 15.73m in the triple jump, and Esther Osisike, who secured her third weight throw victory of the season with a 19.65m effort.
Across multiple competitions, Nigerian athletes delivered one of the most complete collective performances of the NCAA indoor season combining personal bests, records, victories and consistent elite level results.
With championship meets approaching, these performances underline the emergence of a generation not merely participating in collegiate athletics but actively shaping it.
Led by Esther Joseph’s historic breakthrough, Nigerian athletes are entering the most important phase of the indoor season with confidence, momentum, and growing global impact.