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Kanyisola Ajayi, Prestina Ochonogor, and Sade Olatoye stole the spotlight on Friday as the 2025 Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) National Trials kicked off at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.
The event which was originally billed for Abeokuta, was relocated to Lagos at the last minute and now serves as the official qualification meet for Nigerian athletes eyeing a spot at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September.
Ajayi, widely regarded as Nigeria’s current sprint sensation, lived up to his reputation by dominating heat one of the men’s 100m with a strong 10.05s finish on Friday.
However, the fastest time of the day came from Israel Okon, who stunned the crowd with a new personal best of 10.03s to win heat two. Fakorede Nicholas also set a personal best of 10.06s to top heat three.
Tokyo 2020 Olympic finalist Enoch Adegoke showed his experience in heat four, clocking 10.14s for the win. Alaba Akintola followed with a 10.08s performance in heat five, while Olaolu Olatunde shaved off time from his lifetime best to take heat six in 10.13s. Other heat winners included Seye Ogunlewe (10.18s), Temitope Bello, and John Caleb.
In the women’s 100m heats, 18-year-old Prestina Ochonogor continued her breakout season with an 11.48s win in heat one, holding off challenges from Precious Nzeakor and Faith Osamuyi, who finished second and third, respectively.
On the field, Chioma Onyekwere secured her third national title in the women’s discus with a consistent series that culminated in victory ahead of Obiageri Amaechi, who settled for second place with a 59.39m throw. Onyekwere’s triumph marked her third win in five national championship appearances.
Hammer throw specialist Sade Olatoye also impressed in her category, emerging as one of the key athletes to watch as the trials progress.
The action resumes today, August 2, with athletes across various events battling to meet qualification standards for Tokyo.
The post Ajayi, Ochonogor, Olatoye Shine On Day One Of AFN National Trials In Lagos appeared first on Naija News.
