Athletes Ajayi, Ochonogor, Olatoye Impress on Day One of the AFN National Trials in Lagos
2025 AFN National Trials Kick Off in Lagos
The 2025 Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) National Trials commenced on Friday at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, with a host of top athletes vying for a spot in the country's senior team for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
The event, initially scheduled for Abeokuta, was relocated to Lagos at the last minute.
In the women's discus, Obiageri Amaechi finished second with a throw of 59.39m, while Chioma Onyekwere secured her third national title in the event with a consistent series. Onyekwere's triumph marked her third win in five national championship appearances.
Meanwhile, in the women's 100m heats, 18-year-old Prestina Ochonogor won heat one with a time of 11.48s. Sade Olatoye impressed in the hammer throw category, emerging as one of the key athletes to watch.
The men's 100m saw several notable performances. Israel Okon set a new personal best of 10.03s to win heat two, Kanyisola Ajayi, widely recognized as Nigeria's current sprint sensation, won heat one with a time of 10.05s, and Tokyo 2020 Olympic finalist Enoch Adegoke won heat four with a time of 10.14s. Alaba Akintola finished first in heat five with a time of 10.08s, and Fakorede Nicholas set a personal best of 10.06s to win heat three. Olaolu Olatunde won heat six with a time of 10.13s.
The top Nigerian athletes to watch at the trials include Israel Okon, Alaba Akintola, Adekalu Fakorede, Seye Ogunlewe, Olaolu Olatunde, James Emmanuel, Enoch Adegoke, and ThankGod Igube. These sprinters are crucial as Nigeria aims to secure a spot in the men's 4x100m relay at the World Athletics Championships.
Notably, Tobi Amusan, the world record holder in the women's 100m hurdles, and Ogazi, a men’s 400m finalist from the Paris Olympics, are also key competitors, required to participate in the trials despite already qualifying individually for the World Championships.
In addition to sprint events, the trials feature other disciplines, with Gang James leading in long-distance events such as the men’s 10,000m, highlighting emerging endurance talents.
The National Trials, held at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex from July 31 to August 2, serve as the mandatory selection meet for Nigeria’s senior team for the World Championships, amid a highly competitive environment where Nigerian athletes are expected to perform at their peak to secure qualification slots and relay team selection. The trials continue today, August 2, with athletes across various events battling to meet qualification standards for Tokyo.
In 2025, instead of Abeokuta, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) National Trials unexpectedly took place in the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria. Amidst the hustle and bustle of Naija's largest city, football fans might also find excitement as they cheer for their favorite sports teams, not just athletes competing in the trials.
