Nigerian sprinting may have found its newest superstar.
Kanyinsola Ajayi sent shockwaves through the athletics world after reportedly clocking a blistering 9.84 seconds in the men’s 100m, breaking Olusoji Fasuba’s record that had stood for two decades.
The remarkable performance came during the NCAA outdoor season in the United States, where the Auburn University sprinter has emerged as one of the brightest talents in collegiate athletics.
Watch Kanyinsola Ajayi (Auburn) 🇳🇬 run a PB & World Lead of 9.84s (0.7) over 100m at the NCAA East Regionals!
He broke Olusoji Fasuba’s National Record of 9.85s. pic.twitter.com/2lJ0VEpHSD
— Track & Field Gazette (@TrackGazette) May 29, 2026
Ajayi’s time eclipsed the previous Nigerian mark and instantly placed him among the leading contenders ahead of the upcoming World Athletics Championships.
For Nigerian track and field supporters, the achievement represents more than just a new record.
It signals the arrival of a new generation capable of carrying the country’s rich sprinting tradition into the future.
Ajayi’s rise has been rapid
After impressing in junior competitions and making a name for himself on the collegiate circuit, the young sprinter has steadily lowered his times while competing against some of the best athletes in the NCAA.
His latest performance appears to be the breakthrough moment many had predicted.
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The image of Ajayi standing on the track in Auburn colours moments after the race quickly spread across social media, with fans and fellow athletes celebrating what many described as a historic night for Nigerian athletics.
Should the mark be ratified, it would place Ajayi in elite company and strengthen Nigeria’s hopes in major international competitions.
It would also underline the growing influence of Nigerian athletes thriving within the American collegiate system before transitioning to the global stage.
At a time when Nigeria is searching for its next track icon, Ajayi’s performance has offered a glimpse of what the future could look like.
