Nigerian sprinter Kanyinsola Ajayi capped an exceptional debut professional season by claiming third place in the men’s 100m at the Diamond League final in Brussels, Belgium, on Friday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Ajayi clocked 9.97 seconds to finish behind Jamaica’s Oblique Seville, who won the race in 9.90 seconds, and Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme, who took second in 9.93 seconds.
The 21-year-old became the first Nigerian to secure a podium finish in the men’s 100m at a Diamond League final. He takes home a 10,000 dollar cash prize for the third-place finish. Related News Abiodun heartbroken after season-ending injury FIFA yet to decide on NFF, to visit Nigeria Hood FC crowned 2026 5Stars Premier League Champions
Ajayi’s Brussels performance rounded off a breakout season in which he clocked a personal best of 9.84 seconds to break Olusoji Fasuba’s 20-year-old Nigerian record in the men’s 100m.
He also won bronze in the event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, and claimed the National Collegiate Athletic Association title in both the men’s 60m indoor and 100m outdoor earlier in the year, winning the NCAA 100m title in a wind-aided 9.72 seconds.
