Ajayi and Okon Shine on Season Debut as Burrell’s Faith in Nigerian Duo Pays Off at Clemson
Nigerian sprinters Kanyinsola Ajayi and Israel Okon have launched their 2026 collegiate campaigns in style, storming to victories at the Bob Pollock Invitational in Clemson, South Carolina.
Ajayi, who electrified the athletics world at the World Championships in Tokyo last September with a blistering 9.88 seconds in the 100m, the third-fastest time ever by a Nigerian, carried that form into his 2026 indoor season opener.
Running from lane four in Heat 1 of the men’s 60m, he clocked 6.55 seconds to secure first place and underline his readiness for another standout year.
Okon also impressed, winning his heat with a time of 6.61 seconds. The performance marked a strong start to his second collegiate season and highlighted his progression since his NCAA Indoor debut in 2025, when he ran a personal best of 6.51 seconds to set an African U20 record.
His latest victory shows consistency and growth as he continues to establish himself among the continent’s brightest sprinting talents.
Auburn University head coach Leroy Burrell, himself a former world record holder in the 100m, had predicted the Nigerian duo would light up the track on their return.
‘You’re going to see familiar faces like Kayinsola and Israel. Those guys are going to light up the 60 meters. It’s a very competitive event, and they’ve been itching to get out there and put their names on the list,’ Burrell said ahead of the meet.
Ajayi’s performance builds on his remarkable 2025 indoor campaign, when he equaled Nigeria’s record of 6.48 seconds and finished second at the NCAA Indoor Championships.
