The 2024 season was a remarkable one for Nigeria’s male sprinters, and their level of persistence while donning the green and white colours was evident throughout the season and stands as a testament to their efforts, proving that Nigerian sprinters have what it takes to compete at the highest levels. Without further delay, let’s explore Part 1 of Nigeria’s Top 10 Male Sprinters of 2024, featuring Nos. 10 – 6.
10. Alaba Akintola
Akintola has been a key member of the Nigerian 4x100m relay team for the past three seasons. His exceptional skill on the curve has been one of his greatest strengths. Akintola kicked off his season at the African Games, where he helped secure a GOLD medal in the 4x100m relay and also reached the final in the men’s 200m. He was part of the Nigerian team that competed at the World Relays in the Bahamas, where he played a crucial role in helping the men’s 4x100m team qualify for the Olympics for the first time since 2008. He finished 2nd in both the 100m and 200m at the National Olympic Trials and was selected for the African Championships where he made the final in the men’s 200m while the 4x100m team won a Silver medal, marking his first-ever medal at the African Championships. He represented Nigeria at the Olympics where he competed in the men’s 4x100m relay in Paris.
9. Udodi Onwuzurike
Onwuzurike began his season on an impressive note, securing a spot in his first Olympics in the 200m with a remarkable season opener of 20.13s at the Pure Athletics Invitational. The Adidas pro athlete ran a scorching first leg in the 4x100m relay, helping Nigeria qualify for the Olympics for the first time in 16 years. A few weeks later, at the New York Grand Prix, he triumphed over a star studded field including the American duo of Kendal Williams and Pjai Austin to win the men’s 100m with a time of 10.24s. The former World U20 Champion wrapped up his season at the Paris Olympics, where he made it to the semis of the men’s 200m and was also a part of Nigeria’s 4x100m relay team at the Games.
8. Godson Brume
Brume had a tremendous season, despite much of his exploits occurring within the NCAA circuit. He became the second Nigerian sprinter, after Favour Ashe, to qualify for the Olympics in the men’s 100m, securing his spot by winning the SEC title with a time of 9.99s. The LSU junior placed 4th in the men’s 100m and also helped his team secure second place in the men’s 4x100m relay at the NCAA Championships. Brume represented Nigeria at the African Championships, reaching the semifinals and anchoring the 4x100m team to a Silver medal. Unfortunately, he was unable to compete in the Olympics after sustaining an injury during training at a High Performance camp in preparation for the Games.
7. Emmanuel Ojeli
Emmanuel Ojeli has become a standout name in Nigeria’s quartermile scene in recent years. His remarkable consistency this season earned him spots in numerous international competitions, including both the mixed 4x400m and men’s 4x400m relays. He began his campaign at the MTN CHAMPS/African Games Trial, where his performance secured him a spot on the team. Ojeli was a key member of the golden quartet that set new African and African Games records in the mixed 4x400m in Accra, which became one of the highlights of the competition. At the Nigerian Olympic Trials, he finished 2nd, earning a place in the African Championships, where he secured 2nd place in the mixed 4x400m and 4th in the men’s 4x400m relay. His impressive performances led to his qualification for his second consecutive Olympics as part of both the men’s 4x400m and mixed 4x400m relay teams, with the latter setting a new Nigerian Record of 3:11.99. He ended his season on a high by racing to a new lifetime best of 20.56s in the 200m.
6. Usheoritse Itsekiri
Over the past five years, Itsekiri has established himself as one of Nigeria’s most consistent sprinters, and this season was no exception. He kicked off his outdoor season at the African Games where he won a Silver medal in the 100m and anchored the men’s 4x100m team to GOLD in thrilling fashion. One of the highlights of Itsekiri’s season was his spectacular performance at the Royal City Inferno Track and Field Festival where he raced to a wind-aided time of 9.97s (+2.1) to win the men’s 100m. Less than two weeks later at the Nigerian Olympic Trials, he finished 3rd in the men’s 100m and was also part of the Silver-medal-winning 4x100m relay quartet at the African Championships in Douala, Cameroon. His impressive performances earned him a spot in the Olympics as part of the 4x100m relay squad where he was the anchor for the team.
