The Nigerian speed sensation powered to victory in sensational fashion, recording a new Personal Best (PB) of 9.84s with a legal wind reading of 0.4, securing qualification for the NCAA Championships and etching his name into Nigerian athletics history.
With the breathtaking run, Ajayi officially broke the previous Nigerian national record of 9.85s set by legendary sprinter Olusoji Fasuba in 2006 — a record that had stood for two decades.
The performance also sends Ajayi to the top of the global rankings for 2026, making him the world leader in the men’s 100m so far this season.
The Auburn University star had already shown signs of brilliance earlier in the competition after clocking 9.90s during the NCAA East preliminary rounds, but his latest performance has now elevated him into elite sprinting territory.
Ajayi’s rise continues to excite Nigerian athletics fans following his impressive performances over the last two years. The young sprinter has steadily developed into one of Africa’s brightest track talents, and this latest achievement further strengthens Nigeria’s growing reputation in global sprinting.
The historic sprint has also sparked excitement ahead of the upcoming NCAA Championships, where Ajayi will now enter as one of the favourites for the title.
At just 21 years old, the Nigerian star appears destined for even greater heights as he continues to rewrite history on the track.
Nigeria’s athletics community will now hope Ajayi can carry this sensational form into future international competitions and potentially challenge for medals on the world stage.