Akahi News reports that Nigerian sprinter Kanyinsola Ajayi has made history, obliterating the 100m national record with a stunning time of 9.84 seconds at the NCAA East Regionals. Akahi News gathered that the Auburn University athlete did not just win his heat; he sent shockwaves through the athletics world.
The reaction has been electric. 9.84 seconds. That is not just a Personal Best. That is a World Lead. That is a National Record. That is a statement. Ajayi has now become the second fastest man in NCAA history, trailing only the legendary sprinters who have dominated American college athletics. But for Nigeria, this is even bigger. He has broken Olusoji Fasuba’s national record of 9.85s, a mark that had stood for 19 long years. Who says Nigerian sprinting is dead?
What the Numbers Mean: 9.84s, World Lead, National Record
Let us break it down. Ajayi ran 9.84 seconds with a wind reading of 0.7 metres per second — well within legal limits. That means the time is fully legal and recognised by World Athletics. Akahi News learnt that this time is not just a personal best; it is the fastest time run by any human being on the planet in 2026 so far. That is the World Lead. The Nigerian flag just flew to the top of the global sprinting charts.
The old National Record of 9.85 seconds was set by Olusoji Fasuba back in 2007. For nearly two decades, Nigerian sprinters have chased that mark. Some came close. None could break it. Until now. Kanyinsola Ajayi, running in the green and gold of Auburn University, has done what many thought was impossible. He has rewritten the history books. Akahi News had earlier reported that Nigerian athletics has been searching for a new sprint king since the days of Fasuba, Deji Aliu, and Davidson Ezinwa. That search may finally be over.
But here is the philosophical question: what took so long? Why did Nigeria wait 19 years for another sub-9.90 sprinter? The answer is complicated. Poor funding, lack of grassroots development, and a system that often celebrates talent but fails to nurture it. Ajayi’s success, while personal, is also an indictment of Nigeria’s athletics establishment. Imagine what he could have done with better support at home.
📚 While Ajayi Breaks Records on the Track, You Can Break Records in the Classroom with Akahi Tutors
Kanyinsola Ajayi just showed the world what Nigerian excellence looks like. You too can be excellent. Akahi Tutors, Ile-Ife is the best tutorial centre for admission into OAU Ile-Ife, University of Nigeria, University of Lagos, University of Calabar, University of Ibadan, University of Ilorin, and other top universities. Whether it’s Post UTME, Pre-degree, WAEC, NECO, GCE, JUPEB, or School of Nursing entrance examinations, we prepare you for victory. Call 08038644328 or WhatsApp wa.me/2348038644328 today.
From Auburn to the World: What Comes Next
Ajayi’s 9.84s came in a heat at the NCAA East Regionals. That is not even the final. Think about that. He ran a National Record and a World Lead in a qualifying round. What will he do when the pressure is truly on? Akahi News gathered that this performance has automatically qualified him for the NCAA Championships, where he will face the best collegiate sprinters in the United States. If he runs even faster there, the world will take notice.
But beyond the NCAA, there are bigger stages. The African Championships. The Commonwealth Games. The World Championships. And yes, the Olympic Games. Ajayi is only 22 years old (estimated based on typical college junior/senior). He has years of peak performance ahead of him. Nigeria has not had a genuine Olympic medal contender in the men’s 100m since … when? The answer is too long ago. That drought may soon end.
One cannot help but ask: will the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) reach out to him? Will the Nigerian government offer support, incentives, or even a simple congratulatory call? In the past, Nigerian athletes have complained of neglect. Some have even switched allegiance to other countries. The AFN must not let that happen with Ajayi. He is a national treasure. Treat him like one.
The Significance of Breaking Fasuba’s Record
Olusoji Fasuba’s 9.85s was run in 2007. At the time, it was an African record. It announced Nigeria as a sprinting nation. But since then, the record has stood like a monument — impressive, but also a reminder of how far Nigerian sprinting had fallen. Akahi News believes that Ajayi’s 9.84s is more than just a statistic. It is a torch passed. It is a challenge to the next generation. It says: it can be done. It has been done. Now do it again.
Fasuba himself has not yet commented publicly on the record being broken. But one can imagine his emotions. Records are meant to be broken. But when you hold one for 19 years, it becomes part of your identity. Letting go is bittersweet. However, every true champion wants to see the next generation surpass them. Fasuba, a proud Nigerian, should be smiling somewhere.
Ajayi’s time also places him in elite company globally. The 9.8-second club is exclusive. Only a handful of men have ever run that fast. Usain Bolt’s world record of 9.58s remains untouchable, but 9.84s puts Ajayi in the conversation with the best of the best. He is now the second fastest Nigerian in history. But given his trajectory, he may not stay second for long.
🎓 From the Track to the Lecture Hall – Akahi Tutors Prepares Champions
Kanyinsola Ajayi is dominating the 100m. You too can dominate your exams. Akahi Tutors, Ile-Ife specialises in Post UTME, Pre-degree, WAEC, NECO, GCE, JUPEB, and School of Nursing entrance exams. We have a proven record of placing students into OAU, UNN, UNILAG, UNICAL, UI, UNILORIN and more. Run your own race to success. Call 08038644328 or WhatsApp wa.me/2348038644328 now.
Watch the Race: A Moment for Nigerian Sports
The video of Ajayi’s race is already circulating on social media. The start was explosive. The drive phase was textbook. And the finish? He did not lean. He did not dive. He simply ran through the line, knowing he had done something special. The clock stopped at 9.84. The stadium erupted. And a new Nigerian hero was born.
Akahi News gathered that Nigerians at home have been celebrating with equal fervour. From Lagos to Abuja, from Port Harcourt to Kano, the news has spread like wildfire. Social media timelines are flooded with clips, memes, and congratulatory messages. In a country often battered by bad news, Ajayi’s achievement is a beam of light. It reminds us that Nigerians can compete with anyone, anywhere, when given the opportunity.
But let us not get carried away with celebration alone. This is the time to invest. Ajayi needs support to maintain this level. He needs access to top coaches, medical staff, and training facilities. He needs financial backing so he can focus entirely on his craft. The private sector should step up. The government should step up. Nigerian billionaires who sponsor football should also look at track and field. The returns — in terms of national pride — are just as valuable.
A New Era for Nigerian Sprinting?
Kanyinsola Ajayi is not alone. Nigeria has other young sprinters making waves. Favour Ofili, Rosemary Chukwuma, and others are flying the flag on the women’s side. But on the men’s side, the cupboard has been relatively bare. Until now. Ajayi’s 9.84s could be the spark that ignites a new generation. Younger athletes will see his time and believe. Coaches will look for the next Ajayi. The culture of sprinting could return.
Akahi News believes that the Athletics Federation of Nigeria must act now. Organise meets. Scout talent. Provide equipment. End the era of abandoned athletes. If Ajayi can run 9.84s with the support of an American university, imagine what he could do with even more. The potential is terrifying — in a good way.
For now, let us celebrate. 9.84 seconds. World Lead. National Record. Second fastest in NCAA history. Kanyinsola Ajayi has done Nigeria proud. The rest of the world better watch out. The Nigerian sprint king has arrived. And he is not done yet.
🎓 Attend 2026 JAMB, Post-UTME, WAEC, and NECO GCE Tutorials
Get fully prepared with expert tutors, comprehensive study materials, and personalised academic guidance at Akahi Tutors.
📍 Located at 67, Oduduwa College Road, Off Sabo Junction, Ile-Ife.
📞 Call: 08038644328
for enrollment and accommodation reservation.
Akahi News congratulates Kanyinsola Ajayi on this historic achievement. May this be the first of many records. And may Nigerian athletics rise again.