The 2025 Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) National Trials commenced at the Yaba College of Technology in Lagos, marking a pivotal moment for Nigerian athletes vying for a coveted spot at the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The trials, initially slated for Abeokuta, witnessed a flurry of impressive performances on the opening day, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive selection process. Kanyisola Ajayi, the current sensation in men’s sprinting, lived up to the hype, dominating his heat in the 100m event with a blistering time of 10.05 seconds. This performance underlined his status as a strong contender for a world championship berth.
The men’s 100m heats were a showcase of speed and emerging talent. Israel Okon shattered his personal best, clocking an impressive 10.03 seconds, while Fakorede Nicholas also achieved a new personal record of 10.06 seconds. These performances underscored the depth of talent within Nigerian sprinting. Enoch Adegoke, a seasoned Olympian who competed in Tokyo 2020, demonstrated his continued prowess with a solid 10.14-second finish. Alaba Akintola, Olaolu Olatunde, Seye Ogunlewe, Temitope Bello, and John Caleb further intensified the competition with winning performances in their respective heats, each showcasing their potential to represent Nigeria on the global stage.
Prestina Ochonogor, a rising star in women’s sprinting, made a resounding statement, winning her 100m heat in a swift 11.48 seconds. This performance solidified her position as a force to be reckoned with and a promising prospect for the World Championships. The women’s discus throw provided a compelling spectacle, featuring a captivating duel between Chioma Onyekwere and Obiageri Amaechi. Onyekwere’s powerful throws secured her a third national title, a testament to her consistent dominance in the event. Amaechi, despite a commendable effort, settled for second place with a throw of 59.39m.
The first day of the trials served as a platform for athletes to demonstrate their readiness for the world stage. The performances witnessed in the men’s and women’s 100m races, alongside the fiercely contested women’s discus throw, highlighted the high level of competition and the determination of Nigerian athletes to excel. These athletes showcased their commitment to achieving the qualifying standards required for the World Championships, setting the tone for an exciting continuation of the trials. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on as athletes strive to secure their places on the national team.
The National Trials serve as a crucial stepping stone for athletes aiming to represent Nigeria at the World Athletics Championships. These trials not only identify the most talented individuals but also provide a platform for athletes to gauge their progress and fine-tune their preparations. The competitive environment of the trials pushes athletes to their limits, fostering an atmosphere of excellence and driving them to achieve peak performance. The results of the trials will shape the composition of the Nigerian team that will compete in Tokyo, and the performances observed on day one indicate a strong and promising contingent of athletes eager to make their mark on the international stage.
The remaining days of the trials promise further excitement and drama as athletes across various disciplines compete for the coveted opportunity to represent their nation. The trials are a testament to the growth and development of athletics in Nigeria and a reflection of the dedication and hard work of the athletes, coaches, and officials involved. The trials will culminate in the selection of a team poised to compete against the world’s best, carrying the hopes and aspirations of a nation eager to witness its athletes shine on the global stage. The journey to Tokyo has begun, and the athletes have taken the first crucial steps towards realizing their dreams.
