The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated Nigerian sprint sensation Kayinsola Ajayi and British-Nigerian basketball star OG Anunoby for their outstanding achievements on the global sporting stage.
According to an official signed statement by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, NiDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa described both athletes as shining examples of Nigerian excellence, resilience and determination, whose accomplishments continue to project the country’s image positively across the world.
In her message to Ajayi, the NiDCOM Chairman commended the young sprinter from Ikorodu, Lagos State, for his meteoric rise in world athletics and his record-breaking performances while representing Nigeria on the international stage.
She noted that Ajayi’s qualification for the men’s 100 metres final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships marked a historic milestone, making him the first Nigerian athlete in 18 years to reach the final of the prestigious event.
Dabiri-Erewa also highlighted the athlete’s remarkable exploits during the 2026 season, describing him as one of the most exciting talents in global athletics.
She recalled that Ajayi opened his 2026 campaign by winning the 60 metres title at the SEC Indoor Championships with a national record time of 6.45 seconds, equalling both the African and NCAA collegiate records before repeating the feat to claim the NCAA Indoor Championship title.
The NiDCOM boss further noted that the sprinter went on to break the long-standing Nigerian 100 metres record previously held by Olusoji Fasuba after clocking a world-leading 9.84 seconds, making him the fastest man in the world over the distance this season.
She added that Ajayi recently secured another historic achievement by winning the 100 metres title at the NCAA Outdoor Championships with a wind-assisted time of 9.72 seconds, the fastest all-conditions performance ever recorded by an African athlete.
According to Dabiri-Erewa, Ajayi’s achievements underscore Nigeria’s capacity to produce world-class athletes capable of excelling at the highest levels of global competition.
“His success story underscores the importance of investing in youth development, sports, and talent discovery. We are proud of his accomplishments and confident that he will continue to make Nigeria proud on the global stage,” she stated.
The NiDCOM Chairman urged corporate organisations, stakeholders and relevant authorities to continue supporting outstanding Nigerians whose achievements contribute significantly to the country’s image and reputation internationally.
Dabiri-Erewa also celebrated the exploits of OG Anunoby following his decisive contribution to the New York Knicks dramatic victory in Game Four of the NBA Finals.
She noted that Anunoby, who was born in London to Nigerian parents of Igbo descent, delivered a defining moment in the game when he tipped in a shot attempt with just 1.2 seconds remaining, helping his team complete a remarkable comeback from a 29-point deficit.
Describing the feat as inspirational, Dabiri-Erewa said Anunoby’s performance reflected the resilience, determination and excellence associated with Nigerians in the diaspora.
“On behalf of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and Nigerians at home and abroad, I congratulate OG Anunoby on this historic accomplishment. His outstanding performance on one of basketball’s biggest stages reflects the immense potential of Nigerians and those of Nigerian heritage who continue to excel globally,” she said.
She observed that the player’s game-winning contribution had resonated beyond the United States, inspiring young basketball enthusiasts across Nigeria, the United Kingdom and other parts of the world.
Speaking after the match, Anunoby described the occasion as a landmark moment for basketball in the United Kingdom.
“Game four was probably the top of British basketball history. It was just amazing for Britain and the UK, and just everyone that loves basketball in the UK,” he said.
Dabiri-Erewa commended Anunoby for remaining an exemplary ambassador of his Nigerian heritage and for consistently demonstrating professionalism and excellence throughout his career.
She reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to celebrating Nigerians and people of Nigerian descent who continue to distinguish themselves globally, adding that their achievements remain a source of pride and inspiration for future generations.
The NiDCOM Chairman wished both athletes continued success in their respective careers and expressed confidence that their accomplishments would motivate more young Nigerians to pursue excellence in sports and other endeavours.
