Kayinsola Ajayi confirmed for Diamond League final

Kayinsola Ajayi will line up in the men’s 100 meters at the Wanda Diamond League Final in Brussels after receiving a global wildcard. The Nigerian record holder did not qualify through the points standings, but his world ranking made him eligible for an invitation.

Diamond League rules allow meeting organizers to invite up to four global wildcard athletes, two men and two women. Eligible athletes must have competed in at least one Diamond League meeting during the season and meet criteria such as holding a world record, being a reigning major champion or ranking among the world’s top athletes in their event.

Ajayi is the world’s fourth-fastest 100-meter runner this year, behind Olympic champion Noah Lyles, world champion Oblique Seville and Commonwealth Games champion Emmanuel Eseme. He has won two Diamond League races, in London and at the Prefontaine Classic.

Belgian sprinter Simon Verherstraeten had already received a national wildcard, which normally would prevent a global wildcard in the same event. Ajayi remained eligible after African record holder Ferdinand Omanyala withdrew.

Victory would make Ajayi the Diamond League champion and earn him the Diamond Trophy, although he would not receive the full prize money. His season includes a Nigerian record of 9.84 seconds at the 2026 NCAA Division I East First Round, an NCAA title, Commonwealth Games bronze and his 15th career sub-10-second race in Switzerland.