October 05, (THEWILL) – Several Nigerian track and field athletes have made significant strides in the World Athletics Rankings for 2024. Long jumper Prestina Ochonogor has emerged as the top Nigerian in the overall women’s rankings, ascending to the 611th position globally and fifth nationally.
Ochonogor’s rise began at the 2023 African Under-18 Championships in Ndola, Zambia, where she achieved a personal best of 6.00m. The 18-year-old has since improved her performance, reaching the 6.70m mark and competing in the Paris 2024 Olympics final. Her rapid progress underscores the potential within Nigerian athletics.
Quartermiler Esther Elo Joseph has also demonstrated marked improvement, advancing from 26th in Nigeria and 3,560th globally in January 2024 to sixth nationally and 618th worldwide. Joseph’s consistent sub-52-second performances throughout the year have bolstered her position in the rankings.
For the men, quartermiler Samuel Ogazi and sprinter Kanyinsola Ajayi have made notable advances. Ogazi, now ranked second in Nigeria and 206th globally, became the first Nigerian since 1988 to reach the Olympic 400m final. Ajayi has risen to become Nigeria’s top-ranked sprinter, placing 25th worldwide in the 100m event.
These achievements reflect a promising trend in Nigerian athletics, with young talents making their mark on the international stage. With continued improved performances, they are poised to represent Nigeria even more competitively in future as they reach their peaks.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
