By Daily Sports Nigeria on October 3, 2025

Nigeria’s long jump sensation Prestina Ochonogor says she is already setting her sights on NCAA success after marking her World Championship debut in Tokyo with a performance she believes will serve as a springboard for the future, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 19-year-old African U-20 record holder, who made the Olympic final in Paris last year, bowed out in the first round of the women’s long jump after recording 6.05m, placing 16th in her qualifying group.

Despite her early exit in Tokyo, the Nigerian champion believes the experience has left her stronger and better prepared for what lies ahead.

“I’ll say I took a lot. For me, it’s just one step at a time. I’m still going, and my coach is still pushing me,” she told Athletic Heat.

“They should watch their back in the NCAA I am coming back stronger, this world championship was just a test to see what it feels like, even though I was ready with the power in me.”

Reflecting further on the outing, Ochonogor admitted she felt prepared but was unable to fully deliver on the day.

“I wasn’t tense, I wasn’t anxious. I felt strong, like I had it all, but I can’t really say what happened. At one point I saw myself almost diving into the sand, the speed was too much.

“The boys were even scared watching me. But I wasn’t scared. I just couldn’t control the speed properly.”

The Nigerian, who holds a personal best of 6.79m and is ranked 49th globally, highlighted her sprinting ability as one of her biggest weapons.

“If you see me on the runway, you’ll understand. With my 11.4 speed, they’ll definitely fear me. You don’t often see people coming down the runway like that,” she explained.

Currently in her first year of collegiate competition in the United States, Ochonogor credits her coach for guiding her through the challenges of balancing athletics and academics abroad.

“Every time I have one or two issues, I go to my coach. It’s tough, trust me, but I cry it out, I tell my coach, and he guides me. He just reminds me, one step at a time,” she said.

Ochonogor won bronze at the 2023 African Games and back-to-back national titles in 2024 and 2025.

Source Punch Ng

Posted October 3, 2025

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