The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa, has hailed the heroic outing of sprint sensation, Kanyinsola Ajayi, in his debut at the Wanda Athletics Diamond League winning the 100m for men in a star-studded race at Eugene, Oregon, US on Saturday.
Ajayi, current NCAA champion, ran a blistering 9.84secs to equal his national record and beat world champion, Jamaican Oblique Seville, who finished second in 9.89 seconds.
At the same 2026 Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, world record holder, Tobi Amusan placed second in 12.34 secs behind Masai Russell of US won the event in 12.24 seconds.
Chief Okowa, described Amusan, as a stand out athlete who has remained consistent in her race and that the federation is happy with her performance so far in the Diamond League.
“What a way to announce himself on the big stage. Ajayi, has made a strong statement ahead of the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games and the federation is very proud of his progress. He has remained consistent over the years and wining the NCAA 100m title a few weeks ago is a testament to his remarkable energy. I say congratulations”, Okowa stated.
“For our darling Oluwatobi Amusan, she remains a worthy queen, a global idol whose world record of 12:12secs over 100m hurdles still stands at the moment. The best is yet to come for Tobi. The humility with which she always return to represent Nigeria at International events is most welcoming. The AFN board will continue to hold her in high esteem and celebrate her successes. Thank you Tobi for putting Nigerian flag on the global stage”, Okowa said.
The AFN boss also celebrated other Nigerian athletes who featured in various events at the Classics including quarter miler, Ezekiel Nathaniel, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, Ella Onojuvwevwo and Favour Ofili.
“I say hearty congratulations to all of them for flying the flag of Nigeria high. Ezekiel decided to do the men’s 400 metres in place of his hurdles. It is still fine for him.
Record holder in shot put, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, produced a good throw of 21.36 metres to finish sixth in the men’s shot put event”, Okowa stated.
The AFN President made it clear that the outstanding performance has placed the athletes in the right frame ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, insisting that Nigeria remains a global powerhouse in athletics.
“They have shown to us that they are in good shape. The AFN under the current board is making that difference count. We will continue to support our athletes and care for their welfare. We will just keep the momentum as the National Camp opens for the contingent in Aberdeen, Scotland. With the support of the National Sports Commission and preparations thus far, I am confident that our athletes will do well at the championships in Glasgow”, Okowa stated.
In another development, Team Nigeria at the ongoing CAA U18/20 championships in Dakar won another gold in U18 Medley relay for girls taking total gold medals haul to 9.
Okowa, who currently serves as the President of CAA Region II and Senior Vice President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), said he is happy with the progression of the young athletes at the event