Nigeria’s emergence as a sprinting powerhouse is underscored by the growing number of athletes consistently breaking the 10-second barrier in the men’s 100m dash. With sixteen athletes achieving this feat, Nigeria solidifies its position as the third most prolific nation in producing sub-10s sprinters, trailing only the United States and Jamaica. This accomplishment highlights the nation’s burgeoning talent pool and its increasing competitiveness on the global track and field stage. The recent surge of young Nigerian sprinters achieving this milestone signifies not just individual successes, but a broader trend of improved training, infrastructure, and support systems within the Nigerian athletics ecosystem. This rise promises a bright future for Nigerian sprinting and its potential to challenge the established dominance of the USA and Jamaica.
The latest additions to this elite group are Israel Okon and Kanyinsola Ajayi. Okon, an 18-year-old rising star, burst onto the scene with a remarkable 9.91s run at the LSU Invitational in 2025. This achievement marks a swift ascent for the young sprinter, demonstrating his immense potential and solidifying his place among Nigeria’s fastest men. Ajayi, a Paris Olympics semi-finalist and former African U-20 champion, further cemented his status as a top-tier sprinter by clocking 9.96s at the Tom Jones Memorial in 2025. His victory not only secured his spot in the sub-10s club but also signaled a strong start to his outdoor season, highlighting his continued growth and development as a world-class athlete. Their inclusion further underscores the depth and dynamism of Nigerian sprinting.
Among the ranks of Nigeria’s sub-10s sprinters, several athletes have consistently pushed the boundaries of speed. Godson Brume, despite battling injuries, has showcased exceptional talent with multiple sub-10s performances, including a personal best of 9.90s. Udodi Onwuzurike, a standout performer at the 2021 U-20 World Championships, has also demonstrated remarkable speed, achieving a personal best of 9.92s. Favour Ashe, known for his consistent performance, has broken the 10-second barrier multiple times, solidifying his reputation as a reliable and formidable sprinter. These athletes represent a new generation of Nigerian sprinters who are consistently challenging personal bests and national records.
Enoch Adegoke made history by becoming the first Nigerian since 1996 to reach an Olympic 100m final, achieving a sub-10s time in the heats of the Tokyo Olympics. Although injury prevented him from completing the final, his accomplishment marked a significant moment for Nigerian sprinting. Raymond Ekevwo’s impressive 9.96s run at the 2019 African Games further solidified his place among Nigeria’s sprinting elite. These achievements highlight the increasing competitiveness of Nigerian athletes on the international stage, demonstrating their ability to perform at the highest level.
Divine Oduduru, despite currently serving a ban, played a pivotal role in ushering in a new wave of sub-10s runners for Nigeria. His 9.94s performance in 2019 broke a long-standing drought and inspired a generation of aspiring sprinters. Olusoji Fasuba’s African record of 9.85s, set in 2006, remains a benchmark for Nigerian sprinters and a testament to the nation’s sprinting prowess. These athletes have left a lasting legacy on Nigerian athletics, paving the way for future generations to excel.
The history of Nigerian sub-10s sprinters extends back to the early 1990s, with athletes like Olapade Adeniken and Davidzon Ezinwa setting the stage for future generations. Uchenna Emedolu, Deji Aliu, Francis Obikwelu, Seun Ogunkoya, and Daniel Effiong have all contributed significantly to the development of Nigerian sprinting, achieving remarkable feats and inspiring countless aspiring athletes. Their contributions have laid the foundation for the current successes enjoyed by Nigerian sprinters and solidified the nation’s position as a force to be reckoned with in global athletics. The continued emergence of talented young sprinters ensures a bright and exciting future for Nigerian sprinting on the world stage.
