Ajayi and Godbless added to World Athletics Registered Testing Pool, joining Nigeria’s elite track and field contingent
Sprint standouts Kanyinsola Ajayi and Tima Godbless have been officially included in the World Athletics Registered Testing Pool (RTP), marking a new chapter in their athletic careers and signaling their rise to the top tier of global track and field competition.
The RTP designation places them under the direct anti-doping oversight of the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), moving their testing responsibilities away from the National Anti-Doping Committee and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria.
Ajayi and Godbless earned their places in the RTP following electrifying performances in the 2025 season. Ajayi, a blistering presence on the track, equaled Deji Aliu’s national record of 6.48 seconds over 60m and dipped under the 10-second barrier four times in the 100m, twice recording a scintillating personal best of 9.92 seconds.
On the women’s side, Godbless made history of her own with a career-best 10.91 seconds in the 100m—one of the fastest times ever run by a Nigerian woman.
Their inclusion expands Nigeria’s presence in the RTP to 11 athletes, a testament to the country’s growing reputation for excellence and integrity in athletics.
Earlier this year, teenage phenom Samuel Ogazi was also added to the pool after storming his way to the 400m final at the Paris 2024 Olympics and producing consistent sub-45 second finishes.
Other prominent Nigerians currently in the RTP include former world champion hurdler Tobi Amusan, long jump star Ese Brume, and seasoned shot putter Chukwuebuka Enekwechi.
Rising talents such as Favour Ofili, Rosemary Chukwuma, Ruth Usoro, Udodi Onwuzurike, and Ezekiel Nathaniel round out the cohort.
Inclusion in the Registered Testing Pool comes with increased responsibilities.
Athletes are required to submit detailed quarterly whereabouts updates and remain available for random, no-notice testing at all times via digital platforms such as ADAMS and the Athlete Central app.
The RTP is a cornerstone of the global anti-doping framework designed to protect the integrity of sport and ensure fair competition at the highest levels.
With the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on the horizon, Nigeria’s RTP athletes will be under the world’s watchful eye—not only for their breathtaking performances but also for their commitment to clean sport.
