Israel Okon is the new men’s 100m national champion after winning a close final at the 2025 World Championships National Trials in Lagos.
Okon ran a time of 10.04s (+2.3) to win the race ahead of Alaba Akintola, who finished second in 10.05s. Adekalu Fakorede came third in 10.07s, while Seye Ogunlewe placed fourth in 10.08s.
The 18-year-old who claimed his first national 100m title with the win, said he was thrilled by the result.
“I feel excited and very happy right now. This is my first 100m national title, and I’ve been working hard for this,” he said after the race.
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The final was one of the closest in recent history, with all four top finishers dipping under 10.10s. Fifth place went to Olaolu Olatunde in 10.15s, while James Taiwo Emmanuel was sixth in 10.16s. Tokyo 2020 Olympian Enoch Adegoke came seventh in 10.20s, and Igube ThankGod placed eighth in 10.51s.
“We are all competitive athletes, and anything can happen in races like this. Everyone in the final was strong and capable, so I just focused on executing my own race,” he said on the absence of defending champion Kanyinsola Ajayi.
“I knew it would be a tough race, but I wasn’t tense at all. I kept my mind calm and focused on doing my best. Everyone came to win, and I’m glad it was my day.”
On future plans, he added. “I’m not sure yet what’s next. “It depends on the team and the government, but I’m confident in my coach, Ken, and the work we’ve put in.”
In the semifinal round earlier in the day, Okon won his heat in 10.06s. Olatunde narrowly beat Fakorede in their heat, clocking 10.15s. Akintola won his semifinal with 10.14s.
Ajayi, who was expected to defend his title, withdrew before the semifinals, citing personal reasons.
In the men’s 400m semifinals, Gafar Badmus ran 46.93s to win his heat after clocking 45.91s in the first round. Ezekiel Asuquo won his semifinal in 47.07s, ahead of Victor Sampson (47.17s). Benjamin Magaji also made it through to the final.
In the women’s 100m repechage, Tobi Amusan won her heat in 11.28s. Success Oyibu claimed her heat in 11.59s, Azeezat Muhammed-Raji ran a personal best of 11.83s to win hers, and Ejiro Peter took hers in 11.67s.
They all qualify for the semi-final of the women’s 100m which takes place on Sunday with the final coming up later in the day.
In the men’s 110m hurdles final, Nnamdi Onwaeze won the national title in 14.13s, beating Wisdom Great Musa who ran 14.19s. Musa had earlier set a personal best of 13.73s in the heats.
Divine Oladipo, competing for Nigeria for the first time since switching allegiance, won the women’s shot put title with a throw of 17.01m. Ademola Juliana threw 13.03m for second place, while Eze Udochukwu came third with 12.61m.
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