NCAA Championship: 34 Nigerians Set For Action As Official Entry List Is Released

NCAA Championship: 34 Nigerians Set For Action As Official Entry List Is Released

Sampson Adedeji

A total of 34 Nigerian athletes will compete at the 2026 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships following the release of the official entry list for the prestigious collegiate event, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The championship is scheduled to take place at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, from June 10 to June 13, bringing together some of the best student-athletes across the United States.

Leading the Nigerian contingent is Samuel Ogazi, who returns to defend his men's 400 metres title after emerging champion at the previous edition. 

The talented sprinter will be aiming to successfully retain his crown against a highly competitive field.

Another athlete expected to attract attention is Kanyinsola Ajayi, who recently set a new Nigerian national record in the men's 100 metres. 

Ajayi heads to Eugene in pursuit of his first NCAA outdoor title and is regarded as one of the leading contenders in the event.

In the men's 200 metres, Israel Okon enters the competition as the top qualifier and is widely tipped as a strong favourite to challenge for gold.

On the women's side, high jumper Temitope Adeshina will be looking to improve on her impressive bronze-medal finish from her freshman season. 

Having established herself among the elite competitors in the event, Adeshina is targeting her first NCAA outdoor championship title.

The Nigerian athletes will be represented across several disciplines, including sprints, relays, jumps and throws, underlining the country's growing influence in collegiate athletics. 

Their performances in Eugene are expected to provide another platform to showcase Nigerian talent on the international stage.