Olamide Abe

Kindly share this story:

Nigeria’s talent pipeline to the United States collegiate athletics scene has once again flourished, with an impressive contingent of 22 student-athletes qualifying for the final of the 2025 NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships. OLAMIDE ABE sheds light on the outstanding individuals, representing 15 different institutions that will converge on Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon, from June 11 to 14, seeking national titles and global attention.

AUBURN UNIVERSITY

Kayinsola Ajayi – 100m, 4x100m Relay

A dynamic sprinter with explosive starts, Ajayi continues to shine in both individual and relay events.

A former African Championships silver medallist and 2023 NCAA 4x100m champion, he clocked a blistering 9.95s to win his 100m heat in Jacksonville.

In the relay, he anchored Auburn’s team to an eye-catching 38.51s, one of the fastest times in the qualifying round.

Israel Okon – 100m

Okon, a national champion known for his consistency over the short dash, delivered a season-best of 10.13s to clinch a ticket to his first NCAA finals.

The All-African Games gold medallist has been a revelation for Auburn this season.

Opeyemi Oke – 4x400m Relay (Women)

Oke, a seasoned relay specialist and two-time African U20 champion, brought her international experience to bear as she guided Auburn’s 4x400m team to a 3:28.06 finish.

Her strong second leg helped the team recover from a slow start to reinforce her reputation as a dependable quarter-miler.

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

Samuel Ogazi – 400m, 4x400m Relay

Ogazi has emerged as one of the most exciting quarter-mile talents in collegiate athletics.

Clocking an impressive 44.43s, the Nigerian national champion is now a top contender for the NCAA title.

His strength on the anchor leg of Alabama’s 4x400m relay, which finished in 3:02.78, also demonstrates his importance to the Crimson Tide’s medal ambitions.

Precious Nzeakor – 200m (Women)

Nzeakor, an explosive curve runner and reigning Nigerian 200m queen, continues her upward trajectory as she posted a smooth 23.03s to advance, with her technique and drive setting her apart in one of the most competitive events.

OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY

Edidiong Udo – 400m, 4x400m Relay

Udo’s powerful stride and intelligent race distribution helped him post 45.27s in the individual event, while also bolstering Ohio State’s relay strength.

His 3:03.42 effort with the Buckeyes puts them firmly in the mix for medals, and he remains a pillar of Nigeria’s next-generation quarter-mile prospects.

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Ezekiel Nathaniel – 400mH, 4x400m Relay

Nathaniel once again asserted his command over the barriers with a fluid 49.03s run.

As the anchor in Baylor’s 3:05.33 4x400m effort, poise and technical precision proved vital.

The multiple-time national champion and world junior finalist is expected to challenge for the podium in both events.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

Charles Godfred – Long Jump

Godfred soared to a season-best 8.10m with legal wind assistance, topping his qualification group and confirming his status as one of the most improved field athletes in the country.

A former African U20 gold medallist, his flight trajectory and board control have seen significant improvement under Minnesota’s jump programme.

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

Vincent Ugwoke – Discus

Ugwoke threw a commanding 59.89m to qualify, confirming his place among the NCAA’s elite throwers.

A powerhouse technician, his rotational speed and flight angle control have been key to his progression this season.

PENN STATE UNIVERSITY

James Onwuka – 4x400m Relay

The ever-reliable third leg for Penn State, Onwuka, helped secure a 3:03.56 relay time.

His seamless baton exchange and ability to hold form under fatigue have been pivotal to the Nittany Lions’ resurgence in the relays.

CAL STATE FULLERTON

John Clifford – 4x100m Relay

Clifford has consistently delivered sharp relay splits this season, culminating in Fullerton’s 39.26s finish.

The national team hopeful’s acceleration phase and transition zone awareness make him a vital cog in the squad’s final push.

LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY (LSU)

Tima Godbless – 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay

One of Nigeria’s brightest sprinting exports, Godbless posted 11.11s in the 100m and 22.68s in the 200m, confirming her elite status as one of the fastest times in 2025.

The two-time African champion and African U20 standout also helped LSU clock 42.85s in the 4x100m, adding a third final to her championship calendar.

Ella Onojuvwevwo – 400m, 4x400m Relay

Onojuvwevwo is a familiar name in global junior competitions, she delivered 50.99s in the individual 400m and played a vital role in LSU’s 3:29.55 relay effort.

Her ability to shift gears in the last 100 metres gives her a competitive edge in finals.

SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA UNIVERSITY

Favour Onyah – 400m (Women)

Onyah powered to 51.94s to clinch her place in the final.

Her ability to handle lactic pressure in the final stretch marks her out as a threat to more experienced runners.

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA (UCF)

Adaobi Tabugbo – 100mH, 4x100m Relay

Tabugbo’s 12.95s in the 100m hurdles exhibited her quick turnover and hurdle clearance efficiency.

The African champion also contributed to UCF’s 43.57s relay time to demonstrate her value in both individual and team formats.

TARLETON STATE UNIVERSITY

Prestina Ochonogor – Long Jump

A gifted jumper, Ochonogor landed a distance of 6.66m to book her finals spot.

A national champion and All-African Games bronze medallist, her flair and technical improvements have made her a contender for NCAA honours.

TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY

Temitope Adeshina – High Jump

Adeshina cleared 1.84m with confidence to top her group.

She is now known for her vertical explosiveness and timing and remains a strong medal prospect heading into the final.

Mercy Umoibang – 4x400m Relay

Umoibang’s contribution to Texas Tech’s 3:32.66 effort was instrumental.

The promising 400m specialist delivers smooth splits and maintains a strong rhythm throughout the lap for Texas.

UNIVERSITY OF IOWA

Chioma Nwachukwu – 4x400m Relay

Nwachukwu helped power Iowa’s relay team to a stunning 3:26.90, one of the fastest times across all heats.

UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE

Esther Joseph – 4x400m Relay

Joseph featured prominently in Tennessee’s 3:27.76 relay triumph, bringing a strong anchor leg performance.

Her ability to handle pressure on the final exchange leg has made her a coach’s favourite.

Okwose, Okpah – 4x100m Relay

The Nigerian duo of Faith Okwose and Elo Okpah helped Tennessee’s 4x100m team to a 43.70s qualification, earning one of the non-winning fastest spots.

Okwose’s top-end speed and Okpah’s clean baton handling were key to their success.

Kindly share this story:

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: theeditor@punchng.com

Stay informed and ahead of the curve! Follow The Punch Newspaper on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don’t miss a headline – join now!