Olatoye, Ochonogor, Ajayi Light Up Opening Day of AFN Trials in Lagos

Kanyisola Ajayi, Prestina Ochonogor, and Sade Olatoye stole the spotlight on Friday as the 2025 Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) National Trials got underway at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Sport360NG reports.

The trials, initially scheduled for Abeokuta, were relocated to Lagos and serve as a crucial qualifier for Nigerian athletes hoping to secure places at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo this September.

Ajayi, one of the country’s top sprinting prospects, impressed in the men’s 100m by storming to victory in heat one with a time of 10.05 seconds. Israel Okon followed with a standout performance, setting a new personal best of 10.03s to win heat two, while Fakorede Nicholas was not far behind, also setting a personal record of 10.06s in heat three.

Olympian Enoch Adegoke, a finalist at the Tokyo 2020 Games, clocked 10.14s to take heat four, while Alaba Akintola crossed the line in 10.08s to win heat five. Olaolu Olatunde set a new lifetime best of 10.13s in heat six, Seye Ogunlewe registered 10.18s in heat seven, and Temitope Bello and John Caleb rounded off the sprints by winning heats eight and nine, respectively.

In the women’s 100m, rising star Prestina Ochonogor maintained her fine form with a commanding win in heat one, stopping the clock at 11.48s. She was followed by Precious Nzeakor and Faith Osamuyi in second and third place.

On the field, Chioma Onyekwere continued her dominance in the discus, clinching her third national title with a solid performance ahead of close rival Obiageri Amaechi, who managed a best throw of 59.39 metres.

Hammer thrower Sade Olatoye also delivered a strong showing, reinforcing her status as one of Nigeria’s most consistent field athletes.

The national trials continue on Saturday, as more athletes look to meet the qualification marks required for a spot on the Nigerian team to the World Championships in Tokyo.