Competitors Ajayi, Ochonogor, and Olatoye dazzle during the initial stage of the AFN National Trials held in Lagos
AFN National Trials: Nigerian Athletes Shine in Lagos
The 2025 Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) National Trials took place on Friday at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, with several top athletes delivering impressive performances.
In the men's 100m, Kanyisola Ajayi, widely recognized as Nigeria's current sprint sensation, won heat one with a time of 10.05s. Israel Okon set a new personal best of 10.03s to win heat two, while Enoch Adegoke, a Tokyo 2020 Olympic finalist, won heat four with a time of 10.14s. Olaolu Olatunde won heat six with a time of 10.13s, and Fakorede Nicholas also set a personal best of 10.06s to win heat three. Alaba Akintola finished second in heat five with a time of 10.08s.
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 a key athlete to watch at the AFN National Trials.
Chioma Onyekwere continued her dominance in the women's discus, securing her third national title at the AFN National Trials. Obiageri Amaechi finished second with a throw of 59.39m.
The event, which serves as the official qualification meet for Nigerian athletes aiming to participate in the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September, originally was scheduled for Abeokuta but was relocated to Lagos at the last minute.
The action resumes today, August 2, with athletes competing across various events to meet qualification standards for Tokyo. Tobi Amusan, the world record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, and Ogazi, a men's 400m finalist at the Paris Olympics, are among the athletes to watch.
Long-distance runner Gang James, who won the men’s 10,000m final with a strong performance, is another significant athlete emerging from the trials. Nigerian men’s relay teams have also performed well, winning the 4x100m final race at the event.
The trials feature both foreign-based and home-based athletes competing for places on the national team.
[1] Source: AFN Press Release
[2] Source: Vanguard
[3] Source: Premium Times
[4] Source: The Guardian
[5] Source: Sahara Reporters
Despite the relocation to Lagos, the Nigerian football scene didn't miss a beat, with local teams showcasing their skills in friendly matches on the side during the AFN National Trials.
As football AFANGL Lagos Premier League season heats up, fans in Lagos, Nigeria flock to watch Naija's top football talent from places like the Lagos City Stadium and the Agege Stadium, cheering for their favorite teams with unwavering enthusiasm.
