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Nigeria’s sprint star Kayinsola Ajayi delivered a stunning performance on his Diamond League debut, winning the men’s 100 metres at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, on Saturday.
The 21-year-old Nigerian clocked a record-equalling 9.84 seconds to defeat a star-studded field that included Jamaica’s Oblique Seville and American former world champion Christian Coleman.
Seville finished second in 9.89 seconds, while Coleman placed third in 9.95 seconds.
Ajayi’s victory further cements his status as one of the fastest sprinters in the world this season and strengthens Nigeria’s growing reputation in global sprinting.
The Auburn University athlete arrived in Eugene after an outstanding NCAA campaign in the United States. Earlier in June, he became Nigeria’s fastest man after running a legal 9.84 seconds to break Olusoji Fasuba’s national record of 9.85 seconds, which had stood since 2006.
He also claimed the NCAA men’s 100 metres title with a wind-assisted 9.72 seconds, highlighting his remarkable form heading into the Diamond League meeting.
Facing Olympic and World Championship medallists in Eugene, Ajayi showed composure beyond his years, matching his national record under legal wind conditions (+0.1m/s) to secure an impressive victory.
The result establishes the Nigerian as a serious contender on the Diamond League circuit ahead of the major international championships later this year.
Meanwhile, fellow Nigerian Tobi Amusan continued her impressive 2026 campaign by finishing second in the women’s 100 metres hurdles.
The world record holder crossed the line in 12.34 seconds behind American Masai Russell, who claimed victory in 12.24 seconds. Bahamian Devynne Charlton finished third in 12.41 seconds.
Although she narrowly missed out on victory, Amusan maintained the consistency that has defined her season. The former world champion has already won Diamond League titles in Rabat and Paris this year and boasts a season-best time of 12.28 seconds.
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