Ella Onojuvwevwo Breaks African Indoor 400m Record

Nigerian sprinter Ella Onojuvwevwo achieved a remarkable feat by breaking the African indoor 400m record at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship held at the Randal Tyson Track Center in Arkansas. She completed the race in 50.28 seconds, which not only set a new African indoor record but also established her as the fastest woman in the world for the 2026 indoor season.

The 20-year-old athlete, representing Louisiana State University, demonstrated her speed by taking the lead within the first 200 meters and maintaining it until the finish line. This performance reflects her earlier season form, where she won gold at the Southeastern Conference Championship.

Onojuvwevwo's new mark is a significant improvement from her season debut time of 50.96 seconds, making her the fastest Nigerian woman in the 400m, surpassing Falilat Ogunkoya's record of 50.04 seconds set in Osaka in 2000. Additionally, Kanyinsola Ajayi advanced to the men's 60m final, finishing his heat in 6.51 seconds, while Israel Okon set a personal best of 6.48 seconds.