Tima Godbless’s Record-Breaking Sprint Headlines Nigerian Success at NCAA East Preliminary Meet
Nigerian sprinter Tima Godbless etched her name in the annals of track and field history with a breathtaking performance at the NCAA East Preliminary meet in Jacksonville, Florida. Clocking an astonishing 10.91 seconds in the women’s 100m, Godbless not only shattered her personal best but also established the fastest time globally in 2025. This electrifying run catapulted the 20-year-old Louisiana State University standout to the forefront of the world sprinting scene, positioning her as a formidable contender for future international competitions. Godbless’s time also places her among Nigeria’s sprinting elite, becoming the fourth-fastest Nigerian woman in history, trailing only the legendary Blessing Okagbare (10.79s), Rosemary Chukwuma (10.88s), and Glory Alozie (10.90s). Her commanding victory in the preliminary heat, leaving second-place finisher Joella Lloyd of Florida State University well behind at 11.10 seconds, underscores her dominance and sets the stage for an exciting journey towards the NCAA Championships. Godbless’s performance has sent ripples of excitement through the track and field community, with many anticipating further milestones in her burgeoning career.
Nigerian Athletes Shine Across Multiple Track Events at NCAA East Prelims
Beyond Godbless’s stunning display, Nigerian athletes continued to make their mark at the NCAA East Preliminary meet across various track events. In the men’s 400m, Edidiong Udo and Samuel Ogazi showcased their prowess with impressive victories in their respective heats. Udo clocked a winning time of 45.59 seconds, comfortably ahead of Ashton Schwartzman’s 45.84 seconds, while Ogazi posted a time of 45.72 seconds, narrowly edging out Ervin Pearson’s 45.77 seconds. These strong performances signified Nigeria’s emerging strength in the 400m discipline. The Nigerian contingent also demonstrated its depth in the men’s 100m, with three athletes securing their spots in the quarterfinals. Kanyinsola Ajayi and Fakorede Nicholas both finished second in their respective heats with times of 10.21s and 10.30s, while Sunday Israel Okon claimed a heat victory with a time of 10.36s. Collectively, these results highlighted the growing presence and competitiveness of Nigerian athletes on the collegiate track and field stage.
Ezekiel Nathaniel Dominates 400m Hurdles at NCAA West Preliminary Meet
The success of Nigerian athletes extended to the NCAA West Prelims in College Station, Texas, where Ezekiel Nathaniel underscored his status as a dominant force in the men’s 400m hurdles. The reigning African Games champion cruised to victory in his heat with a time of 49.37s, leaving his competitors trailing far behind. Mario Paul, the second-place finisher, crossed the finish line in 50.15s, highlighting Nathaniel’s commanding performance. This victory solidified Nathaniel’s position as a top contender heading into the NCAA Championships. Nathaniel’s consistent performance solidifies his place among the elite hurdlers in the world, and suggests a promising future on the international stage.
Charles Godfred Maintains Unbeaten Streak in Long Jump at NCAA West Prelims
Continuing the string of impressive performances by Nigerian athletes at the NCAA West Prelims, Charles Godfred asserted his dominance in the men’s long jump. With a season-best leap of 8.10m, Godfred secured his place at the NCAA Championships and maintained his undefeated streak in 2025. His remarkable first-round effort topped the qualifying chart and demonstrated his consistent form and exceptional jumping ability. Chris Preddie, with a jump of 8.01m, was the only other competitor to surpass the eight-meter mark, further highlighting Godfred’s exceptional performance. This consistent success reaffirms Godfred’s place at the pinnacle of collegiate long jumping, further solidifying his position as one to watch in future international competitions.
Nigerian Athletes Poised for Success at Upcoming NCAA Championships
The strong showing by Nigerian athletes at both the East and West Preliminary meets serves as a testament to the country’s growing influence and talent in track and field. With numerous athletes qualifying for the NCAA Championships, Nigeria is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the national stage. The exceptional performances of athletes like Tima Godbless, Ezekiel Nathaniel, and Charles Godfred have not only garnered international attention but also inspired a new generation of Nigerian athletes. Their success underscores the potential of Nigeria to become a global powerhouse in track and field, and sets the stage for future success in international competitions.
NCAA Championships Set to Showcase the Best of Collegiate Track and Field
The NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships, scheduled for June 11-14 at the iconic Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, will gather the top athletes from across the country to compete for national titles in 42 events. The championships promise to be a showcase of exceptional athleticism and fierce competition, with athletes vying for coveted national titles and the opportunity to establish themselves as the best in collegiate track and field. The impressive performances by Nigerian athletes in the preliminary rounds set the stage for an exciting championship meet, with the potential for several Nigerian athletes to claim national titles and further solidify their positions on the world stage. The championships serve as a crucial stepping stone for athletes aspiring to compete at the highest levels, including future Olympic Games and World Championships.
