The 2025 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships are set to witness a remarkable display of Nigerian athletic prowess, with 22 student-athletes from 15 different institutions having secured their spots in the finals. These exceptional individuals, representing a diverse range of track and field disciplines, will converge on Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, from June 11th to 14th, vying for national titles and global recognition. This impressive cohort underscores the continued strength of Nigeria’s talent pipeline to the US collegiate athletics scene.
Auburn University boasts a strong contingent, led by Kayinsola Ajayi, a dynamic sprinter who excels in both individual and relay events. Ajayi, a former African Championships silver medalist and reigning NCAA 4x100m champion, enters the finals with a blistering 9.95s in the 100m and a crucial role in Auburn’s impressive 38.51s 4x100m relay time. He is joined by teammate Israel Okon, a national champion known for his consistency in the 100m, who clocked a season-best 10.13s. On the women’s side, Opeyemi Oke, a seasoned relay specialist and two-time African U20 champion, will compete in the 4x400m relay, having helped Auburn secure a 3:28.06 finish in the qualifying round.
The University of Alabama showcases the talents of Samuel Ogazi, a rising star in the 400m. Ogazi, the Nigerian national champion, boasts an impressive 44.43s qualifying time, placing him among the top contenders for the NCAA title. He also anchors Alabama’s 4x400m relay team, which qualified with a time of 3:02.78. Precious Nzeakor, the reigning Nigerian 200m champion, adds to Alabama’s sprinting prowess, having smoothly advanced to the finals with a time of 23.03s.
Ohio State University’s Edidiong Udo is a double threat in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. His strong individual performance, clocking 45.27s, combined with his contribution to Ohio State’s 3:03.42 relay time, positions him as a key figure in the Buckeyes’ medal aspirations. Baylor University’s Ezekiel Nathaniel, a multiple-time national champion and world junior finalist, continues to dominate the 400m hurdles, qualifying with a smooth 49.03s. His experience and technical precision also make him a valuable asset to Baylor’s 4x400m relay team, which finished in 3:05.33.
The University of Minnesota’s Charles Godfred has made significant strides in the long jump, soaring to a season-best 8.10m in the qualifiers. This impressive leap, combined with his improved technique, makes him a formidable contender for NCAA honors. Representing the University of South Florida, Vincent Ugwoke showcased his throwing prowess in the discus with a commanding 59.89m throw, securing his place among the NCAA’s elite throwers. James Onwuka of Penn State University will contribute his reliable third leg performance to the Nittany Lions’ 4x400m relay team, which clocked a time of 3:03.56. John Clifford of Cal State Fullerton, a national team hopeful, will be a key component of his team’s 4x100m relay efforts, having consistently delivered sharp splits throughout the season, culminating in a 39.26s qualifying time.
Louisiana State University (LSU) features two standout Nigerian athletes. Tima Godbless, a two-time African champion and African U20 standout, has qualified for the finals in the 100m (11.11s), 200m (22.68s), and the 4x100m relay (42.85s), solidifying her status as one of the most exciting young sprinters in the collegiate circuit. Ella Onojuvwevwo, a familiar face in global junior competitions, will compete in both the 400m (50.99s) and the 4x400m relay (3:29.55). Favour Onyah of Southeastern Louisiana University will challenge the field in the women’s 400m, having powered through to the finals with a time of 51.94s.
The University of Central Florida (UCF) will rely on the multi-talented Adaobi Tabugbo, the African champion in the 100m hurdles. She qualified for the finals with a time of 12.95s and also contributed to UCF’s 4x100m relay team, which finished in 43.57s. Prestina Ochonogor of Tarleton State University, a national champion and All-African Games bronze medalist, will showcase her talent in the long jump, having qualified with a jump of 6.66m.
Texas Tech University has two Nigerian athletes competing in the relay events. Temitope Adeshina cleared 1.84m in the high jump, securing her spot in the finals with a display of vertical explosiveness and precise timing. Mercy Umoibang will contribute to Texas Tech’s 4x400m relay team, which clocked a time of 3:32.66. Chioma Nwachukwu of the University of Iowa helped power her team to a stunning 3:26.90 in the 4x400m relay, one of the fastest times across all heats. Esther Joseph of the University of Tennessee will provide a strong anchor leg performance for her team’s 4x400m relay squad, which qualified with a time of 3:27.76. Finally, the Nigerian duo of Faith Okwose and Elo Okpah will represent the University of Tennessee in the 4x100m relay, combining Okwose’s top-end speed and Okpah’s clean baton handling to help their team secure a finals berth with a time of 43.70s.
These 22 Nigerian student-athletes embody the depth and breadth of talent emerging from Nigeria’s athletic programs. Their performances at the 2025 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships will not only showcase their individual abilities but also highlight the growing influence of Nigerian athletics on the global stage. Their presence in Eugene promises an exciting competition and represents a significant moment for Nigerian sport.
