The 2025 South Eastern Conference (SEC) Outdoor Track and Field Championships, held at the University of Kentucky, showcased a strong contingent of Nigerian athletes making their mark on the collegiate scene. Samuel Ogazi, a 19-year-old quarter-miler representing Alabama and a 2024 Olympic finalist, blazed to victory in his 400m heat with a time of 45.34s, significantly outpacing his competitors and solidifying his place in the final. This performance highlighted his continued dominance in the event and positioned him as a strong contender for the championship title. The championships marked the return to Kentucky for the SEC event after over a decade, adding to the historical significance of the competition for both the men’s and women’s divisions.
The women’s 400m event featured several Nigerian athletes, including Ella Onojuvwevwo, representing Louisiana State University. Onojuvwevwo secured a spot in the final with a strong second-place finish in her heat, clocking a time of 51.24s. While she trailed Georgia’s Dejanea Oakley, her performance demonstrated her competitive spirit and potential to challenge for the top spot in the final. Other Nigerian athletes competing in the women’s 400m heats included Esther Elo Joseph and Deborah Oke, who finished third and fourth in their respective heats. While their times didn’t secure them a place in the final, their participation contributed to the strong Nigerian presence at the championships.
Tima Godbless, also representing Louisiana State University, delivered a commanding performance in the women’s 200m. She dominated her heat, winning with a time of 22.69s and showcasing her impressive speed and power. Fellow Nigerian Faith Okwose also competed in the same heat, finishing sixth. Godbless’s winning time affirmed her status as a top sprinter in the SEC and signaled her intent to contend for the 200m title. Additionally, Godbless impressed in the women’s 100m, winning her heat with a time of 11.29s, further cementing her versatility and dominance in the sprints. Okwose also competed in the 100m heat, finishing third behind Godbless and Anthaya Charlton.
Precious Nzeakor, another Nigerian sprinter, competed in the women’s 200m, finishing third in her heat with a time of 22.85s. While she didn’t win her heat, her performance demonstrated her competitive prowess in a field of talented sprinters. This performance, coupled with the achievements of other Nigerian athletes, underscored the depth of talent within the Nigerian sprint contingent. In the women’s 800m, Ramat Jimoh added to the Nigerian success by qualifying for the final. Her second-place finish in her semi-final, with a time of 2:04.80s, demonstrated her strength and endurance, positioning her as a potential contender for the 800m title.
The Nigerian men also showcased their sprinting prowess in the 100m event. Kanyisola Ajayi dominated his heat, winning with a time of 10.15s and demonstrating his explosive speed. In a separate heat, Sunday Israel Okon and Fakorede Nicholas secured a one-two finish, showcasing their exceptional talent and solidifying their places in the final. Okon’s winning time of 10.12s and Nicholas’s close second-place finish with 10.23s highlighted the strong Nigerian presence in the men’s sprints. These performances further underscored the depth and breadth of Nigerian talent across various track and field events.
The 2025 SEC Outdoor Track and Field Championships served as a testament to the growing influence and success of Nigerian athletes on the American collegiate track and field scene. Their impressive performances across multiple events highlighted their dedication, talent, and potential to achieve even greater success in the future. The championships, being held at the University of Kentucky for the first time in over a decade, provided a platform for these athletes to showcase their skills and contribute to the rich history of the SEC competition. The continued success of Nigerian athletes promises to elevate the level of competition in the SEC and further solidifies their position as a force to be reckoned with in the world of track and field.
