Nigeria experienced a blend of triumph and disappointment at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The day witnessed the electrifying emergence of young sprinters Israel Okon and Kanyinsola Ajayi, who both secured their spots in the men’s 100m semi-finals with impressive performances. Conversely, the nation’s medal hopes in the women’s long jump were dashed as Ese Brume, a seasoned competitor, and newcomer Prestina Ochonogor failed to qualify for the final. This contrasting narrative of success and setback characterized Nigeria’s overall performance on the day.
Okon, an 18-year-old prodigy, exuded confidence after winning his 100m heat in a time of 10.04 seconds, outpacing notable athletes like Britain’s Zharnel Hughes and Italy’s Lamont Jacobs. Unfazed by the prospect of facing formidable opponents in the semi-finals, Okon declared his readiness to compete against the world’s best. His self-assuredness and ambition were evident in his pre-championship statement, where he expressed his goal of reaching the final and becoming the youngest finalist, demonstrating his unwavering belief in his abilities.
Ajayi, another rising star, also made a significant impact, clocking an impressive 9.88 seconds in his heat, solidifying his position as the third-fastest Nigerian sprinter in history. This achievement underscores his remarkable progress and places him in the elite company of Olusoji Fasuba and Divine Oduduru, holders of the national record and second-fastest time, respectively. Ajayi’s consistent sub-10-second performances this season, totaling five, highlight his exceptional form and establish him as a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, competing in the men’s shot put, delivered a commendable performance, finishing fifth in the final with a throw of 21.52m. Although he narrowly missed a podium finish, Enekwechi’s presence in his third consecutive global final demonstrates his consistency at the highest level of competition. His performance, while respectable, fell short of the top three positions, highlighting the intense competition in the field.
However, the day also brought disappointment for Nigeria, particularly in the women’s long jump. Brume, a medal hopeful, could only manage a best jump of 6.46m, failing to meet the qualifying mark for the final. Similarly, Ochonogor, making her world championships debut, fell short of the required distance, ending her campaign prematurely. Their inability to advance to the final represented a significant setback for Nigeria’s medal aspirations in the event.
Further setbacks were encountered in the women’s 100m and discus throw. Rosemary Chukwuma exited the 100m competition in the heats, failing to secure a qualifying position. In the women’s discus, both Obiageri Amaechi and Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons were unable to progress to the final, marking the end of Nigeria’s participation in the event. These results underscored the challenges faced by Nigerian athletes in these highly competitive disciplines. As the championships progress, the focus shifts to Okon and Ajayi, carrying the hopes of the nation in the men’s 100m semi-finals. Their performances will be crucial in determining Nigeria’s overall success at the prestigious event.
