Nigeria’s athletes shone brightly at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, with standout performances from Samuel Ogazi, Kanyinsola Ajayi, and Temitope Adeshina setting the tone for a weekend of dominance.
Samuel Ogazi electrified the track in the men’s 400m, clocking 44.57s to claim the national title. The Alabama standout not only improved his own African Record set just two weeks ago at the SEC Championships, but also became the third fastest indoor 400m performer in collegiate history. Ogazi’s masterful run demonstrated that he thrives on the biggest stage, cementing his status as a force to be reckoned with this season.
Kanyinsola Ajayi stormed to victory in the men’s 60m final, blazing 6.45s to equal his Personal Best, African Record, Meet Record, and Championship Record. The Auburn junior had set the African record just two weeks prior at the SEC Championships, and he proved he can deliver when it counts most, coming back from a second place finish last year to claim the crown in 2026.
Nigeria’s high jump queen Temitope Adeshina successfully defended her NCAA Indoor title, clearing 1.97m in the women’s high jump to equal her personal best and Nigerian national record. The Texes Tech star has remained unbeaten for two seasons and reaffirmed her dominance as one of Africa’s premier collegiate high jumpers.
In the men’s long jump, Tobechukwu Nwokocha claimed silver at the NCAA DII Indoor Championships, soaring to 7.71m to score crucial points for his team. Jerry Jakpa also impressed in the 200m prelims, clocking 21.32s, setting him up for a strong outdoor season.
On the sprinting front, Israel Okon produced a thrilling 6.48s in the 60m preliminaries, smashing his personal best, and later finished 5th in the final (6.57s), showing he can compete with the best at the NCAA level. Blessing Akintoye powered through the women’s 400m at the NCAA DII Indoor Championships, winning 52.87s, improving from a 4th place finish last year, and claiming her first national title.
Quarter milers continued to dominate as Ella Onojuvwevwo ran a personal best 50.28s in the 400m prelims, going on to secure 3rd in the final (50.76s) and earning 1st Team All-American honors. Chioma Nwachukwu also impressed, placing 11th overall in 51.84s, proving she is a talent to watch this outdoor season.
In field events, Grace Oshiokpu came into the season in stellar form, finishing 9th in the women’s triple jump (13.29m) to earn Second Team All-American honors for Texes Tech, while Mercy Honesty continued to shine with a 12th-place finish in the women’s triple jump, showing her consistency at the top level.
Sprinters capped off the weekend with strong performances as Success Umukoro and Kelly UfoDiama ran 7.25s and 7.27s in the women’s 60m prelims, finishing 14th and 15th overall, closing an incredible indoor chapter for both athletes.
Finally, Nigeria’s newest rising star Jessica Oji continued her remarkable form, throwing 17.66m in the women’s shot put, adding to her African U20 and Nigerian Record of 18.50m, solidifying her as one of the country’s brightest prospects in field events.
With a weekend filled with national records, personal bests, and All-American honors, Nigeria’s athletes not only dominated the NCAA indoor stage but also sent a clear message, the country’s collegiate stars are ready to take on the world.