By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has congratulated Team Nigeria sprint star Kayinsola Ajayi after his impressive victory in the men’s 100tres at the London Diamond League, describing the feat as a major boost ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Ajayi delivered a world-class performance on Saturday, equalling the Nigerian men’s 100m national record of 9.84 seconds for the third time this season to claim victory ahead of Jamaica’s reigning World Championships silver medallist, Oblique Seville, who finished second in 9.87 seconds.
The NSC said the victory reinforces Ajayi’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading medal hopefuls as the Commonwealth Games begin in four days.
The Commission noted that the performance sends a strong message to competitors ahead of the Games, where Ajayi is expected to spearhead Nigeria’s challenge in one of the competition’s marquee events.
Also in action at the London Diamond League was Nigerian hurdler Ezekiel Nathaniel, who finished fourth in the men’s 400m hurdles with a time of 48.30 seconds. Norway’s Karsten Warholm won the race in a meeting record of 46.61 seconds, followed by Emil Agyekum (47.45 seconds) and Abderrahman Samba (48.10 seconds).
The NSC commended both athletes for their performances, saying their displays reflect the strong form of Team Nigeria as preparations for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games reach their final stage.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will hold from July 23 to August 2, with more than 3,000 athletes from across the Commonwealth competing in 10 sports.
The Commission expressed confidence that Team Nigeria is well prepared to build on the country’s rich Commonwealth Games tradition by winning medals and making the nation proud.
