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.
