Two Diamond League Wins, Two 9.84s: Ajayi Crowned Africa’s Athlete of the Month After Sensational July

Nigeria’s Kanyinsola Ajayi has been named the Africa Sports Ventures Group’s African Athlete of the Month for July 2026 after producing a remarkable run of performances that established him among the continent’s leading sprint stars.

Ajayi enjoyed an unbeaten July in the Diamond League, claiming victories at both the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene and the London Diamond League while clocking an identical 9.84 seconds in each race. Even more impressively, the Nigerian defeated reigning world champion Oblique Seville on both occasions.

His first major statement came at the Prefontaine Classic on July 4, where he stormed to a 9.84-second victory. Two weeks later, he produced the same time in London on July 18, confirming that his Eugene performance was no one-off.

The back-to-back victories placed Ajayi at the forefront of an exceptionally strong group of African athletes considered for the July award. The field included Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme, Botswana 400m star Busang Collen Kebinatshipi and several other leading African performers.

However, Ajayi’s combination of two Diamond League victories, two 9.84-second performances and two victories over the reigning world champion ultimately gave him the edge.

His July campaign represents a significant breakthrough for the Nigerian sprinter, who has now established himself as one of Africa’s most dangerous 100m athletes on the international circuit.

Ajayi’s performances also send a powerful message ahead of the season’s major championships, with the Nigerian emerging as another African sprint contender capable of challenging the world’s best over 100 metres.