Over the weekend, Nigerian student athletes based in the United States delivered outstanding performances as the 2024/2025 indoor track and field season kicked off. From record breaking feats to personal bests, these athletes showcased their brilliance across collegiate and professional competitions, signaling an exciting season ahead.
Joel Iheakolam 🇳🇬 dominated the men’s triple jump event at the Murphy Center Track, clinching the top spot with an impressive leap of 15.01m, just shy of his collegiate best of 15.25m. His exceptional technique and power reinforced his reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
Chidinma Margret Agu 🇳🇬 made a fiery start to her season at the 2024 Liberty Kickoff meet, shattering her school’s 400m record with a time of 54.74s, eclipsing the previous mark of 54.89s. Her winning performance set the tone for an exciting year.
Freshman Precious Nzeakor 🇳🇬, the 2024 200m National Champion, began her collegiate career at the BU Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener, dominating heat 2 of the 60m event with a scintillating 7.56s, the fastest overall time, setting her up for an exceptional debut season.
Donald Nwamere 🇳🇬 kicked off his sophomore season at Harding University with a solid 35.99s in the men’s 300m at the Crimson & Gold Invitational, marking a promising start to a long season ahead. Similarly, Nurain Musa Kola 🇳🇬 wasted no time in making an impression at Missouri Southern. The Lenoir-Rhyne University transfer blazed to a college best 34.41s in the men’s 300m event, seamlessly transitioning into his new program.
Joy-Udo Gabriel 🇳🇬, another transfer from West Texas A&M, earned the 3rd overall spot in the women’s 60m at Missouri Southern State University with a strong 7.43s performance, signaling a great start to her sophomore year.
At the GVSU Holiday Open, Eastern Michigan’s Josephine Oloye continued her ascent in the 400m, claiming victory in 54.68s, just shy of her collegiate best. Pittsburgh freshman Faith Dennis shone in her debut, taking double victories in the 60m (7.57s) and 200m (24.96s).
Middle Tennessee’s Laura Odiwvri leaped to a personal best of 5.54m in the long jump at the Dean Hayes Indoor Classic, while Meekness Dogoyaro excelled at the Nevada Silver State Invite with a personal record of 5.59m in the long jump. George Magdalene shattered her school’s 200m record with an impressive 23.55s at the same meet, setting a high bar for the season.
Illinois State’s Immaculate Daniel made a stellar collegiate debut, clocking 7.40s in the 60m final at the John Coughlan Invite. Victory Godah, a dominant figure in the Big 10, began her season with a commanding 7.45s win in the 60m at the M City Classic.
On the men’s side, reigning Nigerian Long Jump champion Charles Godfred delivered a remarkable performance at the M City Classic, setting meet and facility records with a 7.83m jump and recording a lifetime best of 6.70s in the 60m final. Clemson’s Ayomide Oyetunji clocked an impressive 34.25s in the 300m, laying the foundation for a strong indoor campaign.
As the season unfolds, these achievements highlight the determination of Nigerian athletes, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead.
