‘Their Performances Will Inspire Other Members of Team Nigeria’: NSC Hails Ajayi, Amusan, Others for Prefontaine Classic Heroics The National Sports Commission (NSC) has congratulated Nigeria’s athletics stars for their outstanding performances at the prestigious Prefontaine Classic, describing their exploits as a proud moment for the nation. Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, praised the athletes for flying the Nigerian flag high on one of athletics’ biggest stages. ‘These performances are great news for Nigerian athletics and further demonstrate the incredible talents of our athletes at home and abroad. Without overstating, they belong to the very top of their sports, and it can only get better for them,’ he said. Olopade noted that the Eugene Diamond League showcased the athletes’ excellent form ahead of the upcoming Commonwealth Games, adding that their achievements will inspire the rest of Team Nigeria. Leading the charge was sprint sensation Kanyinsola Ajayi, who stunned the field in his Diamond League debut by winning the men’s 100m in 9.84 seconds, equaling the Nigerian record. Ajayi finished ahead of reigning World Champion Oblique Seville of Jamaica (9.89s), while American Christian Coleman placed third (9.95s). Nigeria’s world record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan, also impressed with a second-place finish in 12.34 seconds. The race was won by American Masai Russell in 12.24 seconds, with Devynne Charlton of the Bahamas third in 12.41 seconds. In the men’s 400m, Ezekiel Nathaniel recorded a Season’s Best of 45.32 seconds to finish eighth in a race won by Botswana’s Busang Collen Kebinatshipi (44.00s). Nigeria’s leading shot putter, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, threw 21.36m to place sixth in the men’s shot put event, while quarter-miler Ella Onojuvwevwo impressed in her Diamond League debut, finishing fifth in the women’s 400m with 50.67 seconds. Jamaica’s Dejanea Oakley won the race in 49.67 seconds. The NSC emphasized that these performances provide significant momentum for Team Nigeria as preparations intensify for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. ‘I congratulate all our athletes and wish them injury-free preparations and competitions. Their performances will inspire other members of Team Nigeria as we continue our final preparations,’ Olopade stated. The athletes are expected to join their teammates currently camping in Aberdeen before proceeding to Glasgow. Olopade expressed satisfaction with the steady build-up of Team Nigeria’s training camp and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to providing full support to ensure the nation’s success at the Games.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has congratulated Nigeria’s athletics stars for their outstanding performances at the prestigious Prefontaine Classic, describing their exploits as a proud moment for the nation.
Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, praised the athletes for flying the Nigerian flag high on one of athletics’ biggest stages.
‘These performances are great news for Nigerian athletics and further demonstrate the incredible talents of our athletes at home and abroad. Without overstating, they belong to the very top of their sports, and it can only get better for them,’ he said.
Olopade noted that the Eugene Diamond League showcased the athletes’ excellent form ahead of the upcoming Commonwealth Games, adding that their achievements will inspire the rest of Team Nigeria.
Leading the charge was sprint sensation Kanyinsola Ajayi, who stunned the field in his Diamond League debut by winning the men’s 100m in 9.84 seconds, equaling the Nigerian record.
Ajayi finished ahead of reigning World Champion Oblique Seville of Jamaica (9.89s), while American Christian Coleman placed third (9.95s).
Nigeria’s world record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan, also impressed with a second-place finish in 12.34 seconds. The race was won by American Masai Russell in 12.24 seconds, with Devynne Charlton of the Bahamas third in 12.41 seconds.
In the men’s 400m, Ezekiel Nathaniel recorded a Season’s Best of 45.32 seconds to finish eighth in a race won by Botswana’s Busang Collen Kebinatshipi (44.00s).
Nigeria’s leading shot putter, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, threw 21.36m to place sixth in the men’s shot put event, while quarter-miler Ella Onojuvwevwo impressed in her Diamond League debut, finishing fifth in the women’s 400m with 50.67 seconds. Jamaica’s Dejanea Oakley won the race in 49.67 seconds.
The NSC emphasized that these performances provide significant momentum for Team Nigeria as preparations intensify for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
‘I congratulate all our athletes and wish them injury-free preparations and competitions. Their performances will inspire other members of Team Nigeria as we continue our final preparations,’ Olopade stated.
The athletes are expected to join their teammates currently camping in Aberdeen before proceeding to Glasgow.
Olopade expressed satisfaction with the steady build-up of Team Nigeria’s training camp and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to providing full support to ensure the nation’s success at the Games.
