The opening day of the 2025 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships witnessed a spectacular display of Nigerian talent, with Ezekiel Nathaniel and Kayinsola Ajayi leading the charge with record-breaking performances. Nathaniel, already a rising star in the 400m hurdles, cemented his status with a blistering time of 47.86 seconds in the semifinals. This electrifying run not only shattered the Nigerian national record and set a new personal best but also established him as the fastest collegiate athlete in the event this year. His inclusion on the prestigious Bowerman Watch List just hours before the meet further underscored his elite standing within the collegiate track and field landscape. However, Nathaniel’s otherwise stellar day was slightly marred by a disappointing performance in the men’s 4x400m relay, where his Baylor team finished last in their heat and failed to qualify for the final.
Ajayi, representing Auburn University, provided another highlight of the day with an explosive performance in the men’s 100m semifinals. Clocking an impressive 9.92 seconds, he became the sole sprinter across all heats to break the coveted 10-second barrier, securing his spot in the final as the top seed. This remarkable feat further solidified Ajayi’s position as a rising force in Nigerian sprinting, placing him among the country’s fastest ever. The Nigerian contingent’s success in the 100m was amplified by compatriot and teammate Israel Okon, who matched his personal best with a time of 10.07 seconds, earning himself a place in the final alongside Ajayi. The duo’s combined dominance underscored the depth of Nigerian sprinting talent on the collegiate stage.
Ajayi’s exceptional day continued in the men’s 4x100m relay, where he anchored Auburn’s team to a breathtaking victory. Their time of 37.97 seconds not only secured them the top spot in the semifinals but also tied the NCAA Championship meet record and cemented their position as the third-fastest collegiate team in history. This remarkable performance set the stage for a thrilling final, with Auburn poised to defend their NCAA title and potentially challenge the all-time collegiate record. In contrast, another Nigerian athlete, John Clifford of Cal State Fullerton, experienced disappointment in the same event, as his team finished outside the qualifying positions for the final.
Samuel Ogazi of the University of Alabama added to the Nigerian success story with a commanding victory in the men’s 400m semifinals. His effortless 44.77-second run, the fastest across all heats, marked him as a strong contender for the title. Ogazi’s versatility was also on display as he anchored Alabama’s 4x400m relay team to a qualifying spot in the final, showcasing his ability to contribute both individually and as part of a team. Furthering the Nigerian representation in the 4x400m relay, Penn State’s James Onwuka also played a key role in his team’s qualification for the final. However, Edidiong Udo of Ohio State experienced a mixed day, with his team failing to qualify for the 4x400m relay final and a disqualification in the individual 400m due to a lane infringement.
In the field events, Charles Godfred of the University of Minnesota represented Nigeria in the men’s long jump final, finishing a commendable fourth with a jump of 7.91m. Although narrowly missing out on a podium finish, his performance marked an improvement from the previous year, demonstrating consistent progress.
The opening day of the NCAA Championships showcased the remarkable depth and breadth of Nigerian talent across various track and field disciplines. From record-breaking individual performances to strong relay displays and commendable efforts in the field, Nigerian athletes made a significant impact on the competition. The stage was set for further Nigerian success in the remaining days of the championship, with athletes like Nathaniel, Ajayi, and Ogazi poised to contend for individual titles and contribute to their respective teams’ relay pursuits. The performances on day one served as a testament to the growing influence of Nigerian athletes on the global collegiate track and field scene.
