Sports

Beijing 2027: Ajayi, Nathaniel Secure World Athletics Championship Tickets, as Qualification Window Opens

Published

2 months ago

August 25, 2026

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria’s Kanyinsola Ajayi and Ezekiel Nathaniel have secured automatic qualification for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing, with more Nigeria athletes expected to join them as the qualification window continues.

Ajayi punched his ticket in the men’s 100m after clocking 9.94 seconds (+1.4m/s) in the final of the Silesia Diamond League in Poland, comfortably achieving the automatic qualifying standard for the championships.

The 21-year-old sprinter continues to build on a breakthrough 2026 season that has seen him establish himself among the world’s leading 100m runners. Ajayi has equalled Nigeria’s national record of 9.84 seconds this year, won the NCAA title and recorded major victories over reigning world champion Oblique Seville.

His latest performance in Silesia adds another significant milestone to a season in which he has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to compete and win at the highest level.

Earlier in the day, Nathaniel also secured his place in Beijing after running 47.83 seconds in the men’s 400m hurdles, meeting the automatic qualifying standard.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games champion and Nigerian national record holder has continued to make his mark on the international stage, with his national record of 47.11 seconds set at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo.

The qualification of Ajayi and Nathaniel marks the beginning of what is expected to be a growing Nigerian contingent for Beijing 2027, with athletes across several events still having opportunities to meet the required standards as the qualification period progresses.

Their early qualification provides Nigeria with two confirmed places on the road to Beijing while also setting the tone for other Nigerian athletes chasing their own automatic tickets in the months ahead.

With the qualification window still open, more Nigerians will have opportunities to join Ajayi and Nathaniel and build what could become a strong Team Nigeria contingent at the 2027 World Athletics Championships.

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Sports

YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display

Published

1 day ago

October 21, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Selim Salau’s century and a breathtaking late assault from Isaac Okpe powered Nigeria to a dominant opening victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.

Nigeria’s senior men’s national cricket team, the YellowGreens, made a resounding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign, defeating The Gambia by 160 runs at the NCF Oval 2 in Abuja on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria produced a formidable total of 262 for one in their allotted 20 overs, setting The Gambia a daunting target of 263 runs.

The innings was anchored by an outstanding century from Selim Salau, who remained unbeaten on 105 off 58 deliveries, striking 12 fours and three sixes. Isaac Danladi provided excellent support with an impressive 86 off 48 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, as the pair laid the foundation for Nigeria’s commanding total.

Isaac Okpe then delivered a sensational finishing assault, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 16 deliveries, with three fours and six sixes. His remarkable strike rate of 350.00 propelled Nigeria beyond the 260-run mark and put the hosts firmly in control.

The Gambia faced an uphill battle in their chase and were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.2 overs, handing Nigeria a comprehensive 160-run victory.

The result marked an emphatic opening statement from the YellowGreens as they began their campaign on home soil with an impressive all-round performance.

The victory also provides Nigeria with valuable momentum in a six-team competition featuring hosts Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho and Mozambique. With the teams competing in a round-robin format, the top two sides will progress to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in 2027.

Nigeria will look to build on this commanding start as the YellowGreens continue their pursuit of one of the two available qualification places, with their next fixture against Zambia scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October, at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja.

Final Score

Nigeria: 262/1 (20 overs)

The Gambia: 102 all out (17.2 overs)

Result: Nigeria won by 160 runs.

Key Performers

Selim Salau — 105 not out off 58 balls

Isaac Danladi — 86 off 48 balls

Isaac Okpe — 56 not out off 16 balls
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