By Teddy Nwanunobi
Nigeria’s sprint sensation, Kanyinsola Ajayi, delivered the biggest victory of his career on Saturday, when he defeated reigning world champion, Oblique Seville of Jamaica, to win the men’s 100m at the 2026 Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon.
Competing in his Diamond League debut at the iconic Hayward Field, the 21-year-old Nigerian sprint star matched his national record with a blistering 9.84 seconds, reinforcing his growing reputation as one of the world’s fastest men.
Behind the Nigerian, Seville settled for second in 9.89 seconds, while American Christian Coleman finished third in 9.95 seconds. Another American, Kenneth Bednarek, took fourth place after clocking 9.96 seconds.
Although Seville exploded out of the blocks, Ajayi’s exceptional acceleration from the 30-metre mark proved decisive as he surged into the lead and held on comfortably to secure victory with a legal tailwind of +0.1m/s.
Following the landmark win, Ajayi said his consistent performances had been the driving force behind his exceptional season.
The victory caps a remarkable season for the Nigerian, who has already established himself as one of the world’s fastest sprinters. Earlier this year, he won both the NCAA indoor 60m and outdoor 100m titles.
Ajayi also stormed to victory in the NCAA 100m final with a wind-assisted time of 9.72 seconds, a performance that places him joint sixth on the all-conditions list of the fastest men in history alongside Jamaican sprint legend Asafa Powell. Only Usain Bolt, Tyson Gay, Yohan Blake, Obadele Thompson and Andre De Grasse have recorded quicker times under all conditions.
His dominant display in Oregon further reinforces his emergence as one of world sprinting’s brightest prospects and strengthens his credentials as a leading medal hopeful for Nigeria at forthcoming global championships.