By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has praised Nigeria’s athletics stars for their outstanding performances at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, describing their achievements as a major boost for Nigerian athletics ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, commended the athletes for proudly representing Nigeria on one of the world’s biggest athletics stages, saying their performances reaffirm the country’s growing status in global track and field.
“These performances are great news for Nigerian athletics and further demonstrate the incredible talents of our athletes, both at home and abroad. They belong among the very best in their respective events, and I believe there is even more to come,” Olopade said.
He added that the performances at the Eugene Diamond League showed that Team Nigeria’s athletes are in excellent form ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Leading Nigeria’s impressive outing was sprint sensation Kanyinsola Ajayi, who marked his Diamond League debut in style by winning the men’s 100 metres. Ajayi equalled the Nigerian record with a blistering time of 9.84 seconds (0.1 m/s), finishing ahead of Jamaica’s reigning world champion, Oblique Seville, who clocked 9.89 seconds, while American Christian Coleman finished third in 9.95 seconds.
World record holder in the women’s 100 metres hurdles, Tobi Amusan, also delivered a strong performance, finishing second in 12.34 seconds behind American Masai Russell, who won the race in 12.24 seconds. Devynne Charlton placed third with 12.41 seconds.
In the men’s 400 metres, Ezekiel Nathaniel posted a season’s best of 45.32 seconds to finish eighth, while Botswana’s Busang Collen Kebinatshipi claimed victory in 44.00 seconds.
Nigeria’s leading shot put athlete, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, recorded a best throw of 21.36 metres to place sixth in the men’s shot put event.
Ella Onojuvwevwo also impressed on her Diamond League debut, finishing fifth in the women’s 400 metres with another sub-51-second performance, crossing the line in 50.67 seconds. Jamaica’s Dejanea Oakley won the race in 49.67 seconds.
The NSC said the athletes’ performances have provided Team Nigeria with valuable momentum as preparations intensify for the Commonwealth Games.
Olopade congratulated all the athletes and wished them injury-free preparations as they continue their build-up to the Games.
“I congratulate all our athletes and wish them injury-free preparations and competitions. Their performances will inspire other members of Team Nigeria as we continue our final preparations for Glasgow,” he said.
The athletes are expected to join their Nigerian teammates currently training in Aberdeen before the team moves to Glasgow, Scotland, for the Commonwealth Games.
Olopade also expressed satisfaction with the progress of Team Nigeria’s training camp in Aberdeen, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to providing the necessary support to ensure the country’s athletes are fully prepared to compete successfully and make Nigeria proud at the Games.
