Ferdinand Omanyala Subtly Throws Shade at Noah Lyles While Praising Letsile Tebogo

Reigning Commonwealth Games champion has lauded Letsile Tebogo for doing what seemed impossible, silencing triple world champion Noah Lyles.

Ferdinand Omanyala observed that African sprinters are slowly rising to the occasion and lauded for setting the pace.

The Africa 100m record holder explained that Letsile Tebogo beating Noah Lyles on the world stage was a testimony that the world should be afraid of the upcoming sprinters.

Rising Stars have landed a tough AFCON U20 group featuring African heavyweights, setting the stage for a thrilling challenge.

Competing in the 200m at the , Letsile Tebogo clocked an African record time of 19.46 seconds.

The American duo of Kenneth Bednarek and came in second and third in respective times of 19.62 and 19.70 seconds.

After the race, hence the dismal performance. The three-time world 200m champion was fresh from winning the 100m title.

South Africa’s Akani Simbine clocked a world leading time to edge out Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix.

“Big up to Letsile for what he has done in terms of winning medals on the world stage. That shows that anything is possible,” Ferdinand Omanyala said.

“Everybody was looking at Lyles like this guy can’t be beaten but Letsile did that in style. We are just showing the world that African countries can do what needs to be done, but please, don’t send us to retirement.”

then joked about Letsile Tebogo’s dominant performance in recent years that might seemingly force him to retire early.

The 29-year-old pointed out that he plans to continue competing for as long as he can and continue inspiring the next generation.

“I just want to ask Tebogo not to send us to retirement early. We are here to stay and personally, I’m looking at 11 more years,” he said.

Kenya U20 squad set for AFCON in Egypt after Morocco camp aiming for World Cup spot with strong local lineup.

“There has always been that pressure of not getting the medals on the world stage but for me, I think my legacy might be different. Of course, I want to get the medals but the most important thing for me is how many lives I touch.”

praise for Letsile Tebogo goes beyond admiration—it is a celebration of a new era in African sprinting.

With a mix of humour, humility, and hope, he reminds the world that Africa’s sprint kings are here to stay, and their race is far from over.