Top Performers Shine Bright on Day One of AFN National Trials in Lagos

The 2025 Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) National Trials kicked off with a bang on Friday at the Yaba College of Technology in Lagos. The event, originally scheduled to hold in Abeokuta, was moved to Lagos at the last minute and now serves as the official qualifying meet for Nigerian athletes aiming to represent the country at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September.

Among the standout names were sprint star Kanyisola Ajayi, rising teenage sensation Prestina Ochonogor, and hammer throw powerhouse Sade Olatoye, all of whom delivered impressive performances on Day One.

Sprinters Set the Track on Fire

Ajayi lived up to expectations in the men’s 100m, powering through his heat with a winning time of 10.05 seconds. But it was Israel Okon who stole the show, running a blazing 10.03 seconds in heat two — his personal best and the fastest time of the day.

Other notable sprinters also made their mark:

Fakorede Nicholas: 10.06s (PB) – heat three winner

Enoch Adegoke, Tokyo 2020 finalist: 10.14s – heat four

Alaba Akintola: 10.08s – heat five

Olaolu Olatunde: 10.13s (PB) – heat six

Seye Ogunlewe: 10.18s – heat seven

Temitope Bello & John Caleb also emerged as heat winners.

In the women’s category, 18-year-old Prestina Ochonogor continued her breakout season by winning her 100m heat in 11.48s, fending off strong challenges from Precious Nzeakor and Faith Osamuyi.

Field Events See Familiar Faces Rise

In the women’s discus, Chioma Onyekwere claimed her third national title with a consistent series of throws, beating Obiageri Amaechi, who managed a best of 59.39m to settle for second place.

Meanwhile, in the hammer throw, Sade Olatoye stood out with a dominant performance, proving once again why she’s one of Nigeria’s best in the field.

The trials resume today, August 2, with more athletes across various disciplines aiming to hit the qualifying marks needed to secure a place at the World Championships in Tokyo.

With the intensity already high on Day One, fans can expect even more drama, records, and world-class performances in the days ahead.