Defending champion Kanyinsola Ajayi faces strong competition as Nigerian sprinters set personal bests in the men’s 100m heats at the 2025 National Trials, setting up a thrilling semifinal and final showdown in Lagos.
Kanyinsola Ajayi will have his hands full in his quest to retain the title of Nigeria’s fastest man after a series of blistering performances by rival sprinters in the men’s 100m heats at the 2025 Nigerian Athletics Championships, taking place at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.
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Ajayi, who trained on the same track before moving abroad, comfortably won Heat 1 with a wind-assisted 10.07s (+3.0), conserving energy for the semifinals and final scheduled for Saturday.
The heats witnessed an impressive display of speed, with multiple athletes lowering their personal bests:
Israel Sunday Okon clocked a sensational 10.03s (+1.2) in Heat 2, edging closer to breaking the sub-10-second barrier. Joachim Uyovwiyoma followed in 10.43s (PB), while Gafar Audu booked his semifinal spot in 10.46s.
Nicholas Adekalu Fakorede dipped into the 10.0s for the first time, running a lifetime best of 10.06s (+1.9) to win Heat 3 ahead of Igube Thankgod (10.44s).
Alaba Akintola, a strong podium contender, clocked 10.08s (+2.1) to claim Heat 5, beating Timileyin Olanrewaju (10.29s).
Olaolu Olatunde matched his PB of 10.13s (+1.3) in Heat 6, continuing his fine form after setting the same mark in Abeokuta last month. Precious Oluyemi placed second in 10.48s.
Seye Ogunlewe, the 2019 national champion, showed strong intent with a 10.18s (+0.4) win in Heat 7, finishing ahead of Lucky Daje (10.48s).
Enoch Adegoke, returning to form after an injury-plagued period, delivered a season’s best of 10.12s (+1.2) to win his heat against Chidera Nzeakor (PB of 10.25s).
John Caleb also impressed, storming to a personal best 10.21s (+2.0) in Heat 9.
With multiple sub-10.10 performances and a tightly packed field, Saturday’s semifinal and final promise an electrifying showdown. Ajayi, Okon, Fakorede, Adegoke, Ogunlewe, and Akintola are all in contention for the coveted title of Nigeria’s fastest man.
