Nigeria’s Top Performers Secure 2026 World Indoor Spots
Nigeria will head to next month’s World Indoor Championships in Poland with a strong group of athletes already confirmed, having met the automatic entry standards and posted performances that place them ahead of other compatriots in their events.
In the women’s 400m, Esther Elo Joseph leads the charge after clocking 51.36 at Clemson Indoor Track & Field Complex on 30 January, comfortably inside the 51.75 qualifying mark. Temitope Simbiat Adeshina also booked her place in the women’s high jump, clearing 1.97m in Fayetteville to surpass the 1.96 standard.
Nigeria’s depth in the women’s 60m has been evident, with multiple athletes achieving the 7.20 entry mark. However, only two can be selected, and Kelly Ufodiama (7.14 in Louisville on 9 January) and Success Umukoro (7.16 in Albuquerque on 7 February) currently hold the superior performances that secure their spots.
The men’s sprints tell a similar story. Several Nigerians have dipped under the 6.59 standard in the 60m, but Kayinsola Ajayi (6.54) and Israel Okon (6.57), both at Clemson on 13 February, stand out as the top two and will represent Nigeria in Poland. In the men’s 400m, Samuel Ogazi produced a stunning 44.85 in Albuquerque, while Edidiong Okon Udo followed with 45.65 at Clemson, both inside the 45.80 requirement.
Nigeria’s strength extends to the field events, with Chukwuebuka Cornnell Enekwechi qualifying in the shot put after a 21.28m throw in Belgrade on 11 February, surpassing the 21.20 standard.
