2026 NCAA Division I Track and Field Championships: Nigerian Stars Chase History in Eugene
Ajayi, Ogazi, Adeshina lead record‑breaking NCAA contingent
Nigerian student athletes are set to command global attention as the 2026 NCAA Division I Track and Field Championships begin today in Eugene, Oregon.
With world-leading performances already recorded this season, the stage is set for a historic showing.
Reigning NCAA indoor 60m champion Kanyinsola Ajayi arrives as the fastest man in the world this year, clocking 9.84 seconds. At just 21, Ajayi is chasing his first outdoor crown and could become the first Nigerian student athlete to complete the coveted indoor 60m and outdoor 100m double.
He also stands on the brink of breaking the 9.80 barrier, a feat only Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala has achieved among Africans.
Fresh off his NCAA indoor 400m triumph, Samuel Ogazi seeks to defend his outdoor title. His blistering 43.82 at the regional championships made him the first Nigerian to dip under 44 seconds.
Ogazi now aims to become the first Nigerian to win both indoor and outdoor 400m titles in the same season.
At just 19, Israel Okon has already broken barriers with sub‑10 and sub‑20 performances. He is chasing a rare sprint double, last achieved by Nigerians Olopade Adeniken (1992) and Divine Oduduru (2019).
In the men’s long jump, Charles Godfred hopes to add his name to the illustrious list of Nigerian champions, following Charlton Ehizuelen, Paul Emordi, and George Ogbeide.
In the javelin, Chinecherem Nnamdi, reigning African Games champion, is tipped as the overwhelming favorite after six throws beyond 80m this season.
On the women’s side, high jumper Temitope Adeshina seeks to complete an indoor‑outdoor double, joining Blessing Okagbare and Ruth Usoro in Nigerian collegiate history.
Long jumper Prestina Ochonogor, with a season’s best of 6.69m, aims to succeed Okagbare’s 2010 triumph.
Tima Godbless returns with hopes of improving on her third‑place finish last year.
Favour Onyah, just 19, has already run 50.25 seconds, placing her fifth on Nigeria’s all‑time list. She could become the fifth Nigerian woman to break 50 seconds. Teammates Esther Joseph and Chioma Nwachukwu will look to reach the finals against world leader Dejanea Oakley.
