Connect with us

Nigeria Sport (Soft click)

Kayinsola Ajayi Hunts History as He Reaches NCAA 100m Final After Ninth Sub-10 Run

Ajayi edges LSU’s Jaiden Reid in Eugene with 9.94s, eyes redemption after last year’s heartbreak

Published

2 hours ago

on

Ajayi edges LSU’s Jaiden Reid in Eugene with 9.94s, eyes redemption after last year’s heartbreak

Kayinsola Ajayi, the new Nigerian men’s 100m record holder, stormed into the final of the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon on Friday, clocking 9.94 seconds in his semi-final to secure a shot at his first NCAA crown. The Nigerian sprinter held off LSU’s Jaiden Reid—who matched the Cayman Islands national record with a time of 9.95s—to post the fastest time overall in the semi-finals and confirm his place in the title race.

Ajayi, just 21 years old and representing Auburn University, overcame a slow start but powered home ahead of Reid in a -1.1m/s headwind, marking his ninth legal sub-10-second performance. He will line up alongside fellow Nigerian and Auburn teammate Israel Okon in Friday’s highly anticipated final, hoping to go one better than last year when he finished fourth despite running a then personal best of 9.92s in the semis.

For Nigerian athletics fans, Ajayi’s rise has been electric. Just two weeks ago at the NCAA East Regional Championships, he clocked a blistering 9.84s to erase Olusoji Fasuba’s long-standing national record of 9.85s set back in May 2006—a mark that also doubled as Africa’s fastest until Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala ran 9.77s in Nairobi in September 2021. Fasuba himself praised Ajayi’s achievement, saying: “It shows that Nigerian sprinting is progressing and that our athletes can compete with the very best in the world. The possibility of Nigeria taking back the African record is now realistic once again, and Kayinsola has shown that he has the talent to chase that target.”

Neither Ajayi nor any member of Nigeria’s coaching staff had issued a statement at press time about his prospects for Friday’s final or how he plans to handle the pressure of being favourite. However, former record holder Fasuba has made clear he believes Ajayi can restore Nigeria’s dominance on both national and continental stages.

Ajayi will contest the NCAA men’s 100m final on Friday night at Hayward Field, Eugene—with both personal redemption and history on the line for himself and Nigerian athletics.

Source: https://punchng.com/ajayi-chases-first-ncaa-title/

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Nigeria Sport (Soft click)

Morocco’s Semi-Final Run Inspires African Teams as World Cup Kicks Off Across Three Nations

Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye and South Africa captain Ronwen Williams say Morocco’s 2022 heroics have raised ambitions for all ten African sides

Published

1 hour ago

on

June 12, 2026

By

Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye and South Africa captain Ronwen Williams say Morocco’s 2022 heroics have raised ambitions for all ten African sides

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins in Mexico, Canada, and the United States, Africa’s ten representatives are targeting new heights after Morocco’s historic semi-final run at Qatar 2022. The final results from opening matches were not confirmed in available reports, but belief is surging among players and fans that an African team could break new ground on football’s biggest stage.

Africa enters this expanded tournament with a record ten countries: Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia. No African side has lifted the trophy since the competition began in 1930. Cameroon (1990), Senegal (2002) and Ghana (2010) previously reached the quarter-finals before Morocco made history by going one step further four years ago.

For Super Eagles supporters and other African fans, this World Cup carries a sense of opportunity rarely felt before. The increased number of slots signals growing respect for African football globally. Morocco’s performance in Qatar shifted expectations continent-wide; now players like Senegal forward Iliman Ndiaye insist they are travelling to North America to compete for the title — not just to participate.

South Africa captain Ronwen Williams told BBC World Service that recent improvements in African leagues and competitions have set the stage for success: “What Morocco did, that was the start for us as Africans to believe that we can go far,” Williams said. Former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien added that with more teams involved and greater progress across the continent, “the only thing that’s missing is luck.” Neither the Super Eagles coaching staff nor the Nigerian Football Federation had issued a statement at press time.

Africa’s next fixtures at this World Cup will see all ten teams begin their campaigns over the coming days. Fans across Nigeria and beyond will be watching closely to see which side can build on Morocco’s legacy — and possibly go one better.

Source: https://punchng.com/african-stars-eye-upset-at-mundial/

Continue Reading

Nigeria Sport (Soft click)

History Beckons as Nigeria Set to Host First-Ever Senior Commonwealth Fencing Championships in Lagos

CFF hails Nigeria’s bid after months of technical checks and site visits; 16 nations expected in August showdown

Published

1 hour ago

on

June 12, 2026

By

CFF hails Nigeria’s bid after months of technical checks and site visits; 16 nations expected in August showdown

Nigeria will make history this August as the first African nation to host the senior Commonwealth Fencing Championships, with Lagos chosen as the venue following a rigorous selection process. The event, sanctioned by Commonwealth Sport and overseen by the Commonwealth Fencing Federation (CFF), marks a major milestone for fencing on the continent.

According to CFF President Marie-France Dufour, Nigeria emerged top after a competitive bidding round, impressing with its robust preparations and support systems. Dufour confirmed that the CFF Technical Committee has already held around 20 virtual meetings with local organisers and completed a technical inspection of facilities in Lagos. International referees are secured, and experienced event managers have been deployed to guide operations on ground.

For Nigerian sports fans, this is not just about hosting duties – it’s about raising the profile of fencing nationally and across Africa. With athletes coming from 16 countries including Australia, England, India, South Africa, Singapore and Ghana, plus an expanded Under-23 category to boost participation, the championships promise high-level competition and new opportunities for local fencers.

Dufour said in her statement: “The hosting rights were awarded by Commonwealth Sport to the CFF… Nigeria’s bid was selected through this process, reflecting the spirit of the Commonwealth.” She added that all logistics – from referee resources to registration systems – have been vetted for international standards. No quotes from Nigerian officials or athletes were available at press time.

The championships will hold in Lagos this August (exact dates not specified in available reports). With technical oversight ongoing and liaison with World Para Fencing continuing, all eyes will be on Nigeria as it prepares to welcome some of the best fencing talent from across the Commonwealth.

Source: https://punchng.com/nigeria-ready-for-commonwealth-fencing-champs-cff/

Continue Reading

Nigeria Sport (Soft click)

Burna Boy Joins Shakira to Ignite 2026 World Cup Opener as Mexico Hosts for Record Third Time

Fans scramble outside Estadio Azteca as Burna Boy and Shakira perform ‘Dai Dai’, the official tournament song

Published

1 hour ago

on

June 12, 2026

By

Fans scramble outside Estadio Azteca as Burna Boy and Shakira perform ‘Dai Dai’, the official tournament song

Nigerian superstar Burna Boy and Colombian pop icon Shakira set Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, buzzing on Thursday night with a vibrant performance of ‘Dai Dai’ at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The colourful show marked the start of a historic tournament, with Mexico hosting for a record third time and co-hosts United States and Canada joining in for an expanded format.

As fireworks lit up the 80,000-capacity stadium—previously home to legendary finals graced by Pele and Diego Maradona—Burna Boy took centre stage alongside Shakira, while Mexican stars Alejandro Fernandez, Lila Downs, and Belinda added local flavour. Dancers circled a giant replica of the World Cup trophy in a display that had fans inside on their feet. The ceremony preceded the competition’s first match between hosts Mexico and South Africa, but the final score was not reported at press time.

For Nigerian fans, Burna Boy’s presence on such a global stage is another major milestone for Afrobeats. With ‘Dai Dai’ chosen as the official World Cup anthem, Nigeria’s music now stands alongside football’s greatest spectacle. The expanded tournament will feature 48 teams and 104 matches, with the final scheduled for July 19 in New Jersey.

No official comments from Burna Boy or the Super Eagles camp were available at press time. Local authorities in Mexico City faced challenges outside the stadium as thousands of fans jostled to enter fan zones blocked by barriers due to teacher protests; police struggled to maintain order while President Claudia Sheinbaum reconsidered her attendance because of ongoing demonstrations.

The next focus shifts to action on the pitch as group matches begin. Notably, Mexico have included 17-year-old Gilberto Mora among their substitutes, making him the youngest player at this year’s tournament. Football fans worldwide now turn their attention to upcoming fixtures as the World Cup kicks off in earnest.

Source: https://punchng.com/shakira-burna-boy-light-up-world-cup-opening-ceremony/

Continue Reading