Samuel Ogazi stole the spotlight at the NCAA Championships, storming to victory in the men’s 400m final with a dominant time of 44.84s. He finished well ahead of the field, with Gabriel Moronta (45.47s) and William Jones (45.53s) rounding out the podium. Ogazi became the first Alabama athlete to win the NCAA 400m title since Kirani James, and only the second Nigerian man ever to claim this crown after Clement Chukwu in 1999.

In the men’s 100m final, Kanyinsola Ajayi narrowly missed out on a podium finish, placing 4th in 10.13s, while his teammate Sunday Israel Okon came 7th in 10.18s. The title went to Jordan Anthony, who crossed the line in 10.07s.

Over in the field events, Vincent Ugwoke delivered a standout performance in the men’s discus throw, finishing 4th with a Personal Best of 63.73m. He briefly moved into 3rd place before being edged out by Uladzislau Puchko’s 63.94m. Jamaica’s Ralford Mullings claimed gold with a massive PB of 69.31m.

In women’s actions, Tima Godbless brought home a bronze medal in the 100m, clocking 11.18s (-1.4) just 0.006s ahead of Anthaya Charlton. Samirah Moody won in 11.14s, while JaMeesia Ford also clocked 11.14s for silver.

Ella Onojuvwevwo came heartbreakingly close to a medal in the women’s 400m final, finishing 4th in 50.57s, just behind Rosey Effiong, who ran 50.51s. The race was won by Aaliyah Butler in a sensational PB of 49.26s, with Dejanea Oakley also running a PB of 49.65s.

Meanwhile, in Florida, Rosemary Chukwuma impressed at the Star Athletics Sprint Series, winning her 100m section in a Season’s Best of 11.03s (0.8).

It’s been a weekend full of personal bests, near-misses, and standout moments for Nigeria’s rising track and field stars on the American collegiate stage.