No pressure! Sprinter Kayinsola Ajayi unfazed by ‘big names’

Nigerian sprint sensation Kayinsola Ajayi marked her Diamond League debut with a victory against a field that also included Sevilla Oblique, taking a 9.84-second victory in Eugene over the weekend.

It was a spectacular victory and a fascinating way to announce himself on the professional stage.

Ajayi, who has represented Nigeria at the Olympics and at the World and African Championships, was on an impressive winning streak of the NCAA season.

Speaking about his performance, the 21-year-old said:

“I feel good coming here after the NCAA season just to do what I do best. I feel great about that.

“I feel good. I’ve been consistent, that was part of my goal; to stay on top of the job, stay consistent and go out here, do what I have to do and just execute my career,” he continued.

On June 12, Ajayi ran a wind-assisted 9.72 seconds to win the 100-meter title at the 2026 NCAA Outdoor Championships.

He became the second Nigerian to win the event after Divine Oduduru in 2018.

Comparing NCAA and professional-level expectations, Ajayi downplayed the pressure.

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“For me it’s the same thing; winning the NCAA overcoming the pressure of the NCAA means I can overcome anything at the professional level.”

Now that the world has noticed a Nigerian sprinter, and he is a genuine contender in the competitive men’s 100m qualifications, Ajayi says he is focused on more matches.

“Consistency, practice, I just want to stay healthy, trust in myself and my coach.

“Get back to practice; work and more work and whatever comes next, I just go ahead and do it.”