Nigerian sprinter Kanyinsola Ajayi has made history as the first Nigerian man to finish on the podium in the 100 metres at a Diamond League final.
The 21-year-old, who turned professional earlier this year, clocked 9.97 seconds to finish third in the 100m final in Brussels.
Jamaica’s Oblique Seville won the race and claimed the Diamond League trophy after crossing the line in 9.90 seconds, while Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme finished second.
Ajayi’s third-place finish earned him a $10,000 prize and capped an impressive debut season on the professional circuit.
The performance also marked his second podium finish at a major international meeting this season, following his third-place finish at the Commonwealth Games.
The NCAA champion had beaten Seville twice during the Diamond League season, but the Jamaican produced a dominant performance in Brussels to overturn those previous results and secure the title.
Despite entering the final as a wildcard invitee, Ajayi again broke the 10-second barrier, recording the 16th sub-10-second performance of his career.
He achieved the feat in a highly competitive field featuring both the world and Commonwealth champions.
Ajayi, who holds Nigeria’s national 100m record, will return to the United States after the season to continue his studies and begin preparations for the 2027 campaign.
