New Kings of Track and Field: Ezekiel, Ajayi, and Enekwechi break into Nigeria’s all-time top 10 rankings
In a groundbreaking season that has redefined performance benchmarks, three exceptional athletes—Nathaniel Ezekiel, Kanyinsola Ajayi, and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi—have etched their names into Nigeria’s all-time top 10 male track and field performances, courtesy of the revised 2025 World Athletics Scoring Tables, developed by Dr. Bojidar Spiriev and updated by Attila Spiriev.
This globally recognized scoring system uses a unified point scale to compare performances across events—assigning scores that reflect the quality, competitiveness, and historical significance of each feat.
Ezekiel’s majestic performance in the men’s 400m hurdles at the NCAA Championships in Eugene stunned the athletics world. Crossing the line in 47.49 seconds, he became the first Nigerian and third African to ever dip under the 47.50 mark.
The historic run earned him 1,258 points, placing him joint third on Nigeria’s all-time performance list, and ranking third in collegiate history globally.
His nomination as a finalist for the prestigious Bowerman Award signals global recognition of his elite status.
Ajayi, just 20 years old, also made headlines at the NCAA Championships in Oregon by clocking a dazzling 9.92 seconds in the 100m—earning 1,234 points on the scoring table and securing 10th place on Nigeria’s all-time list.
His time places him fourth among Nigerian 100m sprinters, behind only Olusoji Fasuba, Divine Oduduru, and Godson Oghenebrume. This season, Paris 2024 Olympics semifinalist, maintained one of the most consistent sub-10 form records among Nigerians.
His 6.48s over 60m earlier in the season ties the national indoor record, further solidifying his status as Nigeria’s fastest-rising star.
Also in Eugene, at the iconic Prefontaine Classic, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi rewrote history by becoming the first African athlete to hit and throw beyond 22 meters in the men’s shot put.
His thunderous effort of 22.10m garnered 1,246 points, placing him 6th on Nigeria’s all-time list.
The performance earned him a podium finish at one of the most competitive global shot put contests, and his mark now stands as the African record.
Enekwechi has recorded seven of Africa’s top ten throws, and his 2025 feat cements his place as the most dominant field event athlete in Nigerian history.
