Nigerian sprinter, Success Umukoro has rewritten history as the country’s fastest woman of the year after storming to a blistering 7.13s victory in the women’s 60m final at the New Mexico Collegiate Classic.
The 24-year-old speedster, who recently transferred to Texas Tech from South Plains College, delivered a breathtaking performance, setting a new personal best and the fastest time by any Nigerian woman so far this season.
Umukoro’s explosive display began in the semi-finals, where she clocked 7.13s—a career-best that sent shockwaves through the competition.
She followed it up with a 7.17s win in the final, holding off University of Illinois’ Asia Thomas (7.24s) and Texas Tech teammate Brianna Howard (7.30s).
Tima Godbless Makes History for LSU
While Umukoro grabbed the headlines, another Nigerian Tima Godbless wrote history for Louisiana State University (LSU).
The former African U-20 champion blazed through her semi-final heat in 7.14s (adjusted to 7.16s for altitude).
This etched her name in LSU history, tying her with Kimberlyn Duncan for ninth place on the school’s all-time 60m rankings. However, she opted out of the final.
Godbless, who has long been tipped as a future star, is now the second-fastest Nigerian woman over the 60m this year, following closely behind Umukoro.
Temitope Adeshina Dominates High Jump Yet Again
It wasn’t just a night of sprint dominance for Nigeria. The country’s high jump record-holder, Temitope Adeshina, continued her fine form by securing her third win of the season.
She cleared an impressive 1.92m, edging out African champion Rose Yeboah, who matched the height but lost on countback.
Nigeria’s Track and Field Stars Are on Fire
With Umukoro’s electric form, Godbless’ breakthrough, and Adeshina’s dominance, Nigerian athletics is off to a roaring start in 2025.
Umukoro has now twice rewritten the national 60m lead this season, having first done so in January at the Corky Classic with a 7.21s win.
As the indoor season heats up, all eyes will be on Success Umukoro and Tima Godbless to see how much faster they can go—especially with the NCAA Indoor Championships looming.
Could this be the dawn of a new golden era for Nigerian women’s sprinting? While the clock is ticking, these stars are racing towards history.
