AFCON 2025
Auburn Track & Field has joined in celebrating Nigerian sprinter Kanyinsola Ajayi, who turned 21 on Sunday, September 14, marking the milestone with a history-making performance at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Ajayi, a standout for Auburn, became the first Nigerian man in 18 years to reach the men’s 100 metres final at the World Championships. He finished sixth overall, capping off a sensational run on the global stage that fans have described as the “perfect birthday gift.”
The sprinter impressed from the start, clocking9.88 seconds in the heats — a personal best that instantly placed him among the fastest men in the field. He then backed it up with a 9.93 in the semi-finals, storming into the final and showcasing his consistency against the world’s elite.
Although he narrowly missed out on the medals, Ajayi’s performance was widely celebrated in Nigeria and by Auburn, where he continues to develop as one of the most exciting young sprinters in collegiate athletics.
The program shared heartfelt birthday tributes and praised his achievement, highlighting how far he has come since joining their ranks.
Born September 14, 2004, Ajayi has quickly risen from a promising talent to a global contender. Already a national champion in Nigeria, his world final debut underlined his potential to become one of the leading names in sprinting in the years ahead.
