AFN Praises Nigerian Athletes…

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has lauded the impressive performances of Nigerian athletes at the Wanda Diamond League in Eugene, Oregon, and the ongoing CAA U18/U20 Championships in Dakar, Senegal.

Key Highlights

• The AFN praised Nigerian athletes for outstanding performances at the Wanda Diamond League and CAA U18/U20 Championships.
• Kanyinsola Ajayi won the men’s 100m in Eugene with a national record-equalling 9.84 seconds.
• Oluwatobi Amusan finished second in the women’s 100m hurdles, continuing her consistent international form.
• Team Nigeria’s U18 girls won gold in the medley relay, taking the country’s gold medal tally to nine in Dakar.
• The AFN expressed confidence that Nigeria’s athletes are well-prepared for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

In a statement on Monday, by AFN Media Coordinator, Kola Oredipe, AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, praised sprint prodigy, Kanyinsola Ajayi for his outstanding Diamond League debut.

Ajayi won the men’s 100 metres in a star-studded field, clocking 9.84 seconds to equal his national record at the 2026 Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon.

The reigning NCAA champion finished ahead of Jamaica’s world champion, Oblique Seville, who came second in 9.89 seconds.

Okowa described Ajayi’s victory as a major statement ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

“What a way to announce himself on the big stage. Ajayi has shown remarkable consistency and deserves every accolade,” Okowa said.

The AFN President also commended world record holder Oluwatobi Amusan for finishing second in the women’s 100 metres hurdles.

Amusan clocked 12.34 seconds behind American Masai Russell, who won the race in 12.24 seconds.

Okowa described Amusan as a model of consistency and a global ambassador for Nigerian athletics.

He said her world record remains a source of national pride and praised her commitment to representing Nigeria at international competitions.

“The best is yet to come for Tobi. We remain proud of her achievements and unwavering dedication to the country,” he stated.

Okowa equally congratulated other Nigerian athletes who competed in Eugene, including Ezekiel Nathaniel, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, Ella Onojuvwevwo and Favour Ofili.

He noted that Ezekiel’s decision to compete in the men’s 400 metres instead of the hurdles reflected his versatility.

He also applauded Enekwechi for recording a 21.36-metre throw to finish sixth in the men’s shot put event.

According to Okowa, the athletes have demonstrated encouraging form ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

He assured them of the federation’s continued support, particularly as preparations intensify for the national camp in Aberdeen, Scotland.

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Okowa expressed confidence that, with backing from the National Sports Commission, Team Nigeria would excel in Glasgow.

Meanwhile, Team Nigeria continued its impressive outing at the CAA U18/U20 Championships in Dakar, Senegal

The country’s U18 girls won gold in the medley relay, increasing Nigeria’s gold medal tally to nine.

Okowa, who is President of CAA Region II and Senior Vice-President of the Confederation of African Athletics, praised the young athletes for their remarkable progress.

He expressed optimism that the emerging talents would strengthen Nigeria’s future dominance in African and global athletics.