Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons has successfully defended her national title in the women’s Discus Throw at the 2025 National Athletics Trials, delivering a season-best throw of 60.74m at the Yabatech Sports Complex.
The reigning African record holder secured her third national crown, finishing ahead of Obiageri Amaechi, who placed second with 59.39m, while Ruqqayah Kemi Mustapha claimed third with 40.95m.
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Speaking to Sports247 after her victory, Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons expressed satisfaction with her consistent form this season:
“My goal today was to throw 60 meters and maintain a consistent season. I’ve thrown 60m multiple times this year, and only had a few throws under 50m. Overall, it has been a very good season,” she said.
Reflecting on her journey, the discus star highlighted major career milestones, including reclaiming the African record in 2022, competing in two Olympic Games, and participating in the Diamond League.
“At this stage, my only remaining goal is to make the finals and get on the podium at a World Championship or Olympics. That’s the last box I need to tick,” she added.
While celebrating her success, Onyekwere-Lyons acknowledged the need to improve her explosive throws earlier in competition rounds.
Despite her achievements, she continues to self-fund her athletic career while working full-time as an engineer. She called on corporate sponsors to support her pursuit of global success:
“I’m currently unsponsored. Sponsorship would allow me to focus fully on training and achieve even greater distances,” she appealed.
On the state of Nigerian athletics administration, she remarked:
“I think they’re trying their best with the resources available. Since the Tokyo Olympics, things have been more transparent, and we just take it day by day.”
With her third national title secured, Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons now turns her attention to the 2025 World Athletics Championships, aiming to clinch a career-first podium finish on the global stage.
