Nigeria’s sprint sensation, Kayinsola Ajayi, equalled the Nigerian 100m record of 9.84 seconds at the London Diamond League on Saturday, storming to victory in the men’s 100m against a world-class field to record the biggest win of his career, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Ajayi held off reigning world champion Oblique Seville of Jamaica, who finished second in 9.87 seconds, with Great Britain’s Romell Glave completing the podium in a personal best of 9.97 seconds.
The 9.84-second effort matches the fastest time ever recorded by a Nigerian, a mark Ajayi originally set at the NCAA East Regionals in Lexington, Kentucky, and has now equalled twice this season, having first matched it on his Diamond League debut at the Prefontaine Classic in Oregon, where he also got the better of Seville and former world champion Christian Coleman of the United States.
Ajayi’s victory in London is another significant milestone in what has been an impressive season for the Nigerian speedster, who continues to establish himself among the world’s elite sprinters.
The win also provides a major confidence boost for Team Nigeria as preparations intensify for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, with the 100m star demonstrating that he has the speed and composure to challenge the very best on the international stage.
Ajayi had sent a confident message to his critics following his breakthrough win in Oregon, writing on social media, “Hey doubters, the more you talk, the more I shine. You do not know how deep this goes. All of this was just a matter of time. We are not done. Talk soon.”
Nigeria were also represented at the London meeting by African record holder, Ezekiel Nathaniel, in the men’s 400m hurdles, who faced one of the toughest fields of the season, including world record holder, Karsten Warholm of Norway, and American, Trevor Bassitt, as he continues his own preparations for the Commonwealth Games.
Both Ajayi and Nathaniel are expected to link up with Team Nigeria in Aberdeen, Scotland, ahead of the Games in Glasgow.
By: Peter Akinbo
