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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Sports

Ajayi signs professional contract with Adidas

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Nigerian sprinter Kayinsola Ajayi has signed a professional contract with Adidas, foregoing his final year of collegiate eligibility at Auburn University.
  • Ajayi recently broke the 20-year-old Nigerian 100m record and won the NCAA outdoor 100m title, also securing Diamond League victories and a Commonwealth Games bronze.
  • The 21-year-old athlete will now focus on his professional track and field career with Adidas, aiming for further international success.

Nigeria's fastest man, Kayinsola Ajayi, has officially turned professional after signing a contract with sportswear giant Adidas. The 21-year-old announced the move on Thursday, confirming he will forgo his final year of collegiate eligibility at Auburn University.

"New era. I am grateful to God to finally announce that I am officially embarking on the next chapter of my journey, continuing my professional track and field career with Adidas," Ajayi wrote on X. He had previously signed a Name, Image, and Likeness deal with Adidas in April 2025 while competing for Auburn.

Ajayi's breakthrough year included breaking the 20-year-old Nigerian 100m record of 9.85 seconds in May, clocking 9.84 seconds at the 2026 NCAA Division I East First Round. He went on to win the NCAA outdoor 100m title and has since equaled his national record twice. He also claimed two Diamond League victories during the season.

His success continued at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where he won bronze in the men's 100m. The former Auburn standout will now begin his professional career with Adidas as he targets further success on the international stage.

New era. I am grateful to God to finally announce that I am officially embarking on the next chapter of my journey, continuing my professional track and field career with Adidas.

— Kayinsola AjayiAjayi's announcement on X regarding his professional contract with Adidas.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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