The opening day of the 2025 World Athletics Championships National Trials at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, delivered thrilling performances, with Israel Okon setting the tone by storming to a personal best of 10.03s in the men’s 100m heats.
Okon, fresh off his win in Switzerland, dominated heat two to finish ahead of the pack, underlining his status as the man to beat heading into the semifinals. He wasn’t alone in producing fast times, as all seven heats were won in sub-10.20s. Kanyinsola Ajayi took heat one in 10.07s, Adekalu Fakorede claimed heat three with a personal best of 10.06s, while Enoch Adegoke, still working his way back to peak form, crossed in 10.14s to win heat four. Alaba Akintola (10.08s), Olaolu Olatunde (10.13s), and Seye Ogunlewe (10.18s) were also heat winners.
In the women’s 100m, Olayinka Olajide ran the fastest time of the day, clocking 11.42s to win heat five. African U20 champion Chioma Cynthia Nweke stunned the field with a massive personal best of 11.48s to win her heat, while Prestina Ochonogor clocked 11.47s, also a personal best, to claim victory in heat one. Faith Okwose (11.56s), Justina Eyakpobeyan (11.58s), Hope George (11.51s), and Tejiri Ugoh (11.50s) were among the others to advance, setting up a competitive semifinal lineup.
The men’s 400m heats saw Gafari Badmus post the fastest time of the day, running 45.91s to win heat five. Victor Sampson (47.29s), Ezekiel Eno (47.19s), and Benjamin Magaji (47.20s) all won their heats, with Ayodeji Sholotan also qualifying after placing third in his heat.
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On the women’s side, veteran Patience Okon George looked strong as she powered to a heat-winning time of 51.92s ahead of Toheebat Jimoh, who clocked 53.68s. Favour Onyah (53.26s), Deborah Oke (53.48s), and Miracle Uwem (53.64s) also won their respective heats. Anita Enaruna, Success Okoro, and Esther Elo Joseph will join them in the final after advancing through their respective races.
The women’s 800m final was a tactical affair won by four-time national champion Comfort James, who led from start to finish to take the title in 2:06.60. Ramat Jimoh, the season leader, settled for second in 2:07.53, while Blessing Benibo completed the podium in 2:09.83.
In the field events, Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons successfully defended her national title in the discus throw with a solid mark of 60.74m. It was her third national crown, finishing ahead of Obiageri Amaechi (59.39m)
Sade Olatoye also successfully defended her national hammer throw title with a best mark of 67.50m. Rashidat Quadri threw a season’s best of 46.72m to finish second, while Feyisayo Daramola took third with a distance of 45.22m.
The men’s long jump final saw Charles Godfred retain his crown with a leap of 7.95m, earning back-to-back national titles. Ibukun Daramola jumped 7.56m to claim the silver, just ahead of Tobechukwu Emmanuel Nwokocha, who registered a jump of 7.54m for bronze.
In the 110m hurdles, Wisdom Great Musa recorded a big personal best of 13.73s to top the heats and qualify for the final. Stephen Omidiji was the next fastest with a time of 14.09s, also booking his place in the medal race.
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