Top Performers of the week.
The world of athletics is absolutely buzzing! From NCAA track and field phenoms to international track stars, African athletes are pushing the boundaries of human potential, shattering records, and delivering electrifying track performances. This post dives deep into some of the most memorable recent moments, highlighting key achievements, national track and field records, and world-leading times that have captivated fans and set the stage for an incredibly exciting track and field season. Here are some of the top African performers of the week.
Sprint Sensations: Blazing Speed on the Track
The short sprints continue to be a hotbed of excitement, with athletes delivering breathtaking speed and record-breaking sprint performances.
Abdul-Rasheed Saminu (South Florida – NCAA East): A Historic Dash and Ghanaian Record Breaker
Talk about raw speed! Abdul-Rasheed Saminu of Ghana and the University of South Florida recently etched his name in NCAA track and field history and shattered national records. At the NCAA Track and Field East Regionals in Florida, he clocked a stunning wind-legal 9.86 seconds (0.6m/s) in the men’s 100m. This incredible time isn’t just fast; it’s the second-fastest wind-legal time in NCAA history and smashed the Ghana 100-meter national record, previously held by Benjamin Azamati at 9.90s from 2022.
Saminu’s performance is monumental, placing him among an elite group on the African all-time 100m list. He’s now ranked 4th, behind only Ferdinand Omanyala of Kenya (9.77s), Akani Simbine of South Africa (9.82s), and Olusoji Fasuba of Nigeria (9.85s). His 9.86s is a testament to his exceptional talent, making him a major talking point for track and field analytics and a focus for NCAA 100m championship predictions.
To top off his incredible day, Saminu also ran an impressive 200-meter time of 19.95 seconds with a slight tailwind (2.4m/s), approximately 30 minutes after his record-breaking 100m sprint. This showcases his remarkable endurance and versatility across sprint distances.
Makanakaishe Charamba (Zimbabwe and Auburn – NCAA East): King of the East 200m
Auburn’s Makanakaishe Charamba put on a show in the men’s 200m, clocking a blistering wind-assisted 19.79 seconds at the NCAA East Regional. This phenomenal time secured his position as the fastest in the entire East region, underscoring his dominance in the long sprints. Charamba’s incredible speed makes him a strong contender for the NCAA national 200m title. His time also ranks as Zimbabwe’s all-conditions best 200m.
Carli Makarawu (Zimbabwe and Kentucky – NCAA East): Zimbabwean Dominance in the 200m
Zimbabwe’s Carli Makarawu once again showed his prowess in the 200 meters. In just his second race post-injury, Makarawu ran a new personal best of 19.92 seconds in the 200 meters en route to qualifying for the NCAA Championship. His time not only broke a personal record but also broke his school’s record in the event, as well as tied Zimbabwe’s 200-meter record.
Joseph Fahnbulleh (Liberia): Kip Keino Classic Champion
Liberia’s Joseph Fahnbulleh delivered a strong performance at the Kip Keino Classic, securing a victory in the men’s 200m with a time of 20.40 seconds. This win adds another significant achievement to his growing resume and highlights his potential as a top contender in the international 200m circuit. Fahnbulleh’s form at the Kip Keino Classic suggests he is one to watch for major championship 200m finals.
Shaun Maswanganyi (South Africa): Podium Finish in Nairobi
Also at the Kip Keino Classic, South Africa’s Shaun Maswanganyi showcased his speed by placing second in the men’s 200m with a time of 20.47 seconds. His strong showing against a competitive field demonstrates his consistency and puts him in a good position for future international competitions. Maswanganyi’s 200m performance in Kenya further solidifies his standing as a prominent South African sprinter.
Tima Godbless (Nigeria and LSU): One of Africa’s Fastest Women in 100m
Tima Godbless, representing both Nigeria and Louisiana State University, delivered a breathtaking performance at the NCAA East Regionals, clocking a remarkable 10.91 seconds in the 100-meter dash. This electrifying run not only secured her a place among the collegiate elite but also solidified her position as one of Africa’s fastest women in the 100m this year, hinting at a bright future on both the national and international athletics stages. Her achievement underscores the growing prowess of African sprinters and provides an inspiring glimpse into the depth of talent emerging from the continent.
Mid-Distance and Hurdle Heroes: Pushing the Limits
The 400m and 400m hurdles events have been incredibly competitive, with athletes achieving personal bests and setting new national and world marks.
zakithi Nene at the Rabat Diamond League 2025
Zakithi Nene (South Africa): World-Leading 400m Mark
South Africa’s Zakithi Nene delivered a sensational performance in the men’s 400m at the Kip Keino Classic, running a scorching 43.76 seconds. This incredible time not only secured a dominant victory but also stood as the world-leading time at that point, signaling his strong form and ambition for the season. Nene’s world-leading 400m time firmly places him among the elite for upcoming major championships. He is now ranked 4th all time in Africa and 16th Globally.
Wiseman Were (Kenya): Home Turf Triumph and World Championships Qualifier
Kenya’s own Wiseman Were electrified the home crowd at the Kip Keino Classic, winning the men’s 400m hurdles with a personal best of 48.34 seconds. This outstanding performance was not only a personal milestone but also a crucial World Championships qualifying time, securing his spot on the global stage. Were’s 400m hurdles PB in Kenya is a highlight of the season for Kenyan athletics.
Kemorena Tisang (Botswana): Breaking National Records
Botswana’s Kemorena Tisang made history at the Kip Keino Classic, setting a new Botswana national record in the men’s 400m hurdles with a time of 48.59 seconds, finishing second behind Were. This remarkable achievement underscores his rapid progress and establishes him as a rising star in the 400m hurdles. Tisang’s new national record in the 400m hurdles is a significant moment for Botswana track and field.
Nathaniel Ezekiel (Nigeria and Baylor – NCAA West): Battling in the Hurdles
Representing Baylor in the NCAA West Regional, Nathaniel Ezekiel competed fiercely in the men’s 400m hurdles, running 49.03 seconds. His participation at this competitive regional event demonstrates his consistent effort and potential in this demanding discipline. Ezekiel’s NCAA West Regional 400m hurdles performance highlights his collegiate athletic journey.
Field Event Powerhouses: Jumps and Throws
The field events have also seen impressive displays of strength, precision, and agility.
Charles Godfred (Nigeria and Minnesota – NCAA West): Consistent Long Jump Star
Charles Godfred is one of the most consistent long jumpers in the NCAA and Africa in 2025. At the NCAA West Regionals, he jumped a wind-legal 8.10 meters on his one and only attempt to secure victory and top qualifier from the West region in the event. He has surpassed 8 meters more than 4 times already this year and consistently jumped over 7.90 meters.
Esraa Owis (Egypt): Leading the Long Jump Field
Egypt’s Esraa Owis made a significant impact in the women’s long jump at the Kip Keino Classic, leading the competition with an impressive wind-assisted mark of 6.94m. Her wind-legal jump of 6.70m further highlights her consistent high-level performance and puts her among the top long jumpers globally. Owis’s long jump performance in Kenya is a strong indicator of her potential for major medals.
Julius Yego (Kenya): Javelin Veteran Still Competing
Kenyan javelin veteran Julius Yego, known for his powerful throws, placed fifth in the men’s javelin throw at the Kip Keino Classic with a throw of 78.74m. His continued presence at the top level of the sport is a testament to his enduring talent and dedication. Yego’s javelin throw in Nairobi demonstrates his continued presence in elite competition.
NCAA Qualifiers: The Road to National Glory
Several collegiate athletes have successfully navigated the rigorous NCAA regional competitions to secure their spots at the highly anticipated NCAA Championships. These NCAA track and field qualifiers are set for national glory!
Kanyinsola Ajayi (Nigeria and Auburn – NCAA East): Sub-10 Second Qualifier
Auburn’s Kanyinsola Ajayi secured his spot at the NCAA Championships in the men’s 100m with a blazing time of 9.95 seconds. This sub-10 second performance highlights his elite speed and makes him a strong contender for a national title. This is his second time running sub-10 seconds this year, highlighting his consistency as an NCAA 100m sprint contender.
Israel Okon (Nigeria and Auburn – NCAA East): Another Auburn Sprinter Qualifies
Another Auburn talent, Israel Okon, also punched his ticket to the NCAA Championships in the men’s 100m, clocking a solid time of 10.13 seconds. Auburn’s strong contingent of sprinters is a testament to their coaching and talent development. Okon’s NCAA 100m qualification adds to Auburn’s strong sprint program.
Neo Mosebi (South Africa and Florida State – NCAA East): FSU’s 100m Hopeful
Neo Mosebi will be representing Florida State University at the NCAA Championships in the men’s 100m, having qualified with a time of 10.08 seconds. His performance ensures FSU’s presence among the nation’s top sprinters. Mosebi’s NCAA 100m qualification is a significant achievement.
Other Notable Performances
Other notable performances include:
- Adoabi Tabugbo (Nigeria and Central Florida): 12.95s (0.0m/s) in the 100-meter hurdles.
- Doris Mensah (Ghana – South Florida): 13.13s (-1.8m/s) in the 100-meter hurdles.
- Ella Onojuvwevwo (Nigeria and LSU): 50.99s in the 400 meters.
- Vimbayi Maisvorewa (Zimbabwe and Auburn): 51.10s in the 400 meters.
- Dario Matau (South Africa and Auburn): 20.19s (2.4m/s) in the 200 meters.
- Samuel Ogazi (Nigeria and Alabama): 44.48s in the 400 meters
- Theophilus Mudzengerere ( Zimbabwe and South Carolina): 16.38 meters in the triple jump
Long Sprints Specialists: Grand Slam Track Performances
The Grand Slam Track Philadelphia event brought together top long sprinters, showcasing their endurance and speed.
Jessika Gbai (Côte d’Ivoire): Consistent in Long Sprints
Côte d’Ivoire’s Jessika Gbai demonstrated her consistency in the long sprints group at the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia, finishing fourth overall in the women’s category. Her performance against a top-tier field highlights her competitive spirit and strength in these demanding events. Gbai’s Grand Slam Track performance is a strong indicator of her international standing in long sprints.
Muzala Samukonga (Zambia): Top Five Finish for Zambia
Zambia’s Muzala Samukonga impressed in the men’s long sprints group at the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia, securing a fifth-place overall finish. His strong showing against a highly competitive international field underscores his potential as a leading long sprinter. Samukonga’s Grand Slam Track showing is a promising sign for Zambian athletics.
These performances underscore the incredible depth of talent in African track and field. From record-breaking sprints to powerful throws and strategic hurdles, athletes continue to inspire and redefine what’s possible. The upcoming major championships promise even more thrilling moments as these stars vie for ultimate glory. Keep an eye on these names as they continue to dominate the track and field landscape!
Don’t forget to comment and share!
