Nigerian athletes produced a wave of world-class performances across the U.S. and Europe this weekend, underlining the nation’s growing influence on the global indoor circuit. From record-breaking sprints to headline-grabbing field marks, the green white green contingent delivered depth, quality, and championship level intent across multiple meets.
The performance of the weekend belonged to Samuel Ogazi (Alabama), who lit up the New Mexico Collegiate Classic with a stunning 44.85s to win the men’s 400m. In his season debut at the distance, Ogazi shattered the facility record, moved to No. 2 on the African indoor all-time list behind Ezekiel Nathaniel (44.74s), tied for No. 13 in world indoor history, and climbed to No. 2 on the 2026 global list. It was a statement run that reverberated well beyond collegiate competition.
Joshua Caleb (LSU) added more fireworks in Albuquerque, storming to a personal best 20.71s in the men’s 200m unseeded section. The mark erased the previous unseeded facility record, secured the win, established the Nigerian indoor lead, and pushed him into the NCAA Top 10.
Elsewhere, Jude Okafor continued his record breaking streak with 47.88s in the 400m at the VMI Winter Relays, lowering the VCU school record for the third time this season. Freshman David Akhalu impressed with 47.00s (400m) and 21.22s (200m), while Chioma Nwachukwu clocked an indoor best of 51.93s. Solid early season efforts also came from Prior Ochonogor (47.71s), Nathaniel Samson (47.01s SB), and Patience Okon George, who opened with 53.63s in Moscow.
The short sprints were equally lively. Blessing Ogundiran (Warner) stamped her authority at the Visit Gainesville Indoor Classic, moving from 7.30s in the heats to a commanding 7.28s victory in the final, edging closer to the elite 7.20 barrier. Grace Nwokocha’s comeback gathered momentum with a 7.50s run, while Usheoritse Itsekiri posted a season best 6.62s at the Pandas Open.
On the European tour, Folawuyo Olaoye impressed at the Sparkassen Indoor Meeting Dortmund, progressing from 6.70s in the heats to 6.60s in the final to place fourth overall and match his PB. Olympic finalist Adegoke Enoch ran 6.71s, narrowly missing the final but showing promising early form.
Nigeria’s women also displayed sprint depth. Ella Onojuvwevwo (23.24s) and Olayinka Olajide (23.36s) impressed in New Mexico, while Kelly Ufodiama clocked 22.90s at the Carolina Challenge. Success Oyibu (24.09s PB), Magdalene George (24.32s), and Victory Godah (24.11s) added to the strong showing. Onyah Favour recorded PBs and school records of 7.39s (60m) and 24.03s (200m), and Princess Uche secured silver in the 600m with a PB 1:31.35.
In the field, Esther Osisike continued her steady rise with a 19.84m winning throw at the Charlie Thomas Invitational, just shy of her PB. Olympic finalist Chukwuebuka Enekwechi threw 20.38m to place fifth in a deep Madrid World Indoor Tour shot put contest. Emeka Ugwu (17.07m) and multi-eventer Tina Samson (3,610 points in the pentathlon) also posted competitive marks.
The jumps provided some of the most dramatic moments. Charles Godfred (Minnesota) delivered a standout double at the Gopher Classic, sprinting a 60m PB of 6.61s before soaring to a facility-record 7.93m to win the long jump. Emmanuel Njoku (7.67m) and Jeffrey Usman (7.22m SB) added quality marks. In the triple jump, Precious Opinion exploded to a 15.80m meet record and lifetime best, while Precious Irivi followed with 15.28m to complete a strong Nigerian presence.
Taken together, the weekend’s results paint a clear picture: Nigerian athletics is surging. With records falling, personal bests piling up, and athletes asserting themselves across continents, Nigeria is not merely participating on the global stage it is actively shaping the narrative of the 2026 indoor season. More headline performances look imminent as the championship season approaches.