By Ben Efe 29.5.2026
Nigeria’s athletics is wearing a big smile as Kanyinsola Ajayi and Samuel Ogazi turned up with big performances that wrote new chapters in the record books.
Running at the NCAA East Regionals Friday in Lexington, Kentucky USA, Ajayi clocked 9.84 seconds to better Olusoji Fasuba’s 20 years old 9.85seconds 100m national record.
Ogazi also kept making and breaking records at the same meeting; he posted a monstrous 43.82 second in the 400m to better his earlier personal best and national record of 43.95secs he achieved this month of May. The two performances by the two athletes are world leading times.
Reacting to the 100m performance by Ajayi, Fasuba, three times African champion, twice African Games winner and 60m world indoor champion said he was delighted his long standing record had been laid to rest.
“First of all, congratulations to Kanyinsola Ajayi for breaking the record. Records are meant to be broken, and I am pleased to see Nigerian athletics continuing to move forward,” said Fasuba also a World Championships finalist and Olympics 4x100m bronze medalist.
He predicted that Ajayi has the potential to be much faster and eclipse Ferdinand Omanyala’s 9.77secs African record.
“Based on his current form, I believe he can run even faster. What has impressed me most is not just the time, but the consistency he has shown at a high level.
“I wish him continued success and look forward to seeing how much further he can take the record.”
Fasuba called on Nigeria athletics officials to keep working hard to inspire more Nigerian athletes to greater heights.
“Beyond celebrating his achievement, we should also use moments like this to inspire the next generation. While supporting Ajayi and our current stars, we need to keep identifying and developing the next talents coming through the system.
“A healthy athletics programme is one where there is always another generation ready to challenge the standards set by those before them.
“The best way to encourage athletes is to continue providing opportunities, quality coaching, competition, and recognition for their achievements. “Ajayi’s success should serve as motivation for young athletes across the country that with hard work and the right support, they too can reach the highest level.”