NSC congratulates Ajayi, Amusan and others for outstanding performances at the Prefontaine Classic

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has congratulated Nigerian track and field stars for their impressive performances at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, describing their achievements as a proud moment for the nation.

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon Bukola Olopade, congratulated the athletes for proudly flying the Nigerian flag on one of the biggest stages in athletics.

“These performances are great news for Nigerian athletics and further demonstrate the incredible talent of our athletes at home and abroad. Without exaggeration, mine belong to the pinnacle of their sports and things can only get better for them.”

“Additionally, the Eugene Diamond League made it clear that our athletes are in great shape ahead of the Commonwealth Games.”

Leading the exceptional performance was sprinting phenomenon Kanyinsola Ajayi, who announced himself on the Diamond League stage in spectacular fashion by winning the men’s 100 meters on his debut.

Ajayi equaled the Nigerian record with a stunning time of 9.84 seconds (0.1 m/s), finishing ahead of reigning world champion Oblique Seville of Jamaica, who clocked 9.89 seconds, while American Christian Coleman placed third in 9.95 seconds.

Nigeria’s world record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan, also put in another encouraging performance, finishing second in a highly competitive race with a time of 12.34 seconds. American Masai Russell won the event in 12.24 seconds, while Devynne Charlton finished third in 12.41 seconds.

In the men’s 400 meters, Ezekiel Nathaniel recorded a season’s best of 45.32 seconds, placing eighth in a race won by Busang Collen Kebinatshipi of Botswana in 44.00 seconds.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s leading shot put thrower, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, produced a best throw of 21.36 meters to finish sixth in the men’s shot put event.

Ella Onojuvwevwo also made an impressive Diamond League debut at the Prefontaine Classic, finishing fifth in the women’s 400 meters. The Nigerian quartermiler continued her steady run of form by recording another sub-51 second performance, crossing the finish line in 50.67 seconds. Jamaican Dejanea Oakley won the race with a time of 49.67 seconds.

The NSC noted that the performances provide significant momentum to Team Nigeria as they ramp up preparations for the Commonwealth Games.

“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 for Glasgow.”

The athletes are expected to join their Nigerian teammates currently camping in Aberdeen before the team travels to Glasgow, Scotland, for the Games.

Hon Olopade also expressed satisfaction with the steady build-up of Team Nigeria’s training camp in Aberdeen.

The National Sports Commission has reiterated its commitment to providing the necessary support to ensure that the Nigeria team is fully prepared to compete successfully and make the nation proud at the Games.