Nigerian quarter-miler Ella Onojuvwevwo delivered a remarkable performance at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, recording an impressive 50.31 seconds in the women’s 400m semifinal. The time is now the fastest run by a Nigerian woman in the event in over two decades.
The Louisiana State University (LSU) standout’s time not only secured her a place in the final but also marked a personal best and a significant milestone in Nigerian athletics. It is the fastest 400m performance by a Nigerian woman since 2000, a period dominated by legendary athletes such as Falilat Ogunkoya.
At just 20 years old, Onojuvwevwo has consistently shown promise throughout the collegiate season, previously clocking 50.57 seconds to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her steady improvement has drawn attention from athletics observers both at home and abroad.
Competing at the renowned Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, Onojuvwevwo controlled her semifinal race with confidence, finishing ahead of a competitive field. Her performance places her among the top collegiate athletes in the United States and bolsters her growing international reputation.
The quarter-miler is now considered one of Nigeria’s brightest hopes for a resurgence in the women’s 400m event. Her form could prove vital for Nigeria’s relay ambitions on the global stage, particularly with the upcoming World Championships and the 2026 Commonwealth Games on the horizon.
As she prepares for the NCAA final, all eyes will be on Onojuvwevwo to see if she can continue her record-breaking trajectory and potentially challenge the long-standing Nigerian national record of 49.10 seconds.
Onojuvwevwo’s rise symbolizes a new wave of Nigerian athletes making their mark through the U.S. collegiate system, reaffirming the country’s rich sprinting legacy and offering renewed hope for future international podium finishes.
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