Kanyinsola Ajayi Lands Adidas Deal After Stunning Commonwealth Games Run

(Kanyinsola Ajayi. Photo by Premuim Times)

Nigeria's leading sprinter Kanyinsola Ajayi has transitioned to professional athletics after announcing a sponsorship deal with Adidas.

He disclosed the partnership on social media on Thursday, framing the agreement as the start of a new phase in his track career.

The 21-year-old expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue his professional running career with the sportswear brand.

The deal comes just over a week after Ajayi delivered a standout performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, where he secured bronze in the men's 100 metres with a time of 9.90 seconds.

This achievement marks a historic moment for Nigerian sprinting his was the first 100m medal won by a Nigerian man at the Commonwealth Games in two decades.

Cameroon's Emmanuel Eseme claimed gold with a Games record of 9.83 seconds, while Australia's Lachlan Kennedy took silver in 9.85 seconds.

The Glasgow result underscores Ajayi's rapid ascent among Africa's top young sprinters.

He advanced to the final after winning his semi-final in 9.94 seconds, then produced another sub-10-second clocking in the championship race.

Born in September 2004, Ajayi has accumulated an impressive résumé despite his youth.

He holds two African U20 championships and a silver medal from the African Championships.

Entering 2026, he improved the Nigerian national 100m record to 9.84 seconds and has since recorded a wind-assisted time of 9.72 seconds as his fastest of the year, with 9.84 seconds as his legal personal best.

Two Diamond League victories already sit on his record, and World Athletics currently ranks him fifth globally in the men's 100m.

His development through collegiate athletics in the United States has provided consistent exposure to elite-level competition.

With professional status now secured, Ajayi is positioned to concentrate fully on his athletic development as he pursues medals at the World Championships, Olympic Games, and other major international meets.

Despite his youth and considerable potential for further improvement, his performances this year demonstrate he can contend with established world-class sprinters.