Nigeria launched its 2025 World Athletics Championships campaign in Tokyo with impressive showings from Kayinsola Ajayi and Israel Okon Sunday, both securing places in the men’s 100 metres semi-finals.
Ajayi, competing in his inaugural senior global meet, stormed to second in his heat, clocking a personal best of 9.88 seconds. He trailed South Africa’s Gift Leotlela by just 0.01 seconds, with Jamaica’s Oblique Seville claiming third in 9.93s.
At 21, Ajayi’s run cements his status as the nation’s third-fastest sprinter ever, behind only Olusoji Fasuba (9.85s) and Divine Oduduru (9.86s). He has now produced five sub-10-second performances this season, equalling Nigeria’s career record for such marks.
In a separate heat, debutant Israel Okon Sunday triumphed in 10.04 seconds, narrowly holding off Great Britain’s Zharnel Hughes (10.06s) and Italy’s Olympic champion Lamont Marcell Jacobs (10.20s). His victory underlines the depth of emerging Nigerian sprint talent.
The semi-final line-up places Ajayi alongside world-class rivals in the opening race, including Noah Lyles, Akani Simbine, Ackeem Blake and Jacobs. Sunday will contest the third semi, facing Seville, Letsile Tebogo and Leotlela, among others.
Nigeria also fielded a strong contender in the men’s shot put final. National record-holder Chukwuebuka Enekwechi advanced with a qualifying throw of 20.83 metres and went on to record 21.52m in the final, earning fifth spot.
Competition resumes on Sunday as Nigerian athletes return to the track and field for further events. Team officials and supporters will watch closely for opportunities to add to the nation’s medal tally.