Mixed reactions have trailed the performances of Nigerian athletes on the opening day of the 2025 World Athletics Championships, in Tokyo, Japan.
While some Nigerian athletes have recorded major achievements, others have failed to record a standout performance.
Nigerian sprinters Israel Okon and Kanyinsola Ajayi are among those who have delivered standout performances, advancing to the men’s 100m semifinals and injecting hope into Team Nigeria’s campaign.
Also, Nigerian female athlete, Tobi Amusan continued her achievement on the global stage as she proceeded to the semifinals on Monday for the women’s 100m hurdles in Tokyo.
However, the excitement was tempered by early exits for long jumper Ese Brume and Prestina Ochonogor.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that the championships, hosted at the Japan National Stadium from September 13-21, drew over 2,000 athletes from around the globe, setting the stage for intense competition ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
For Nigeria, Kanyinsola Ajayi, a 21-year-old.stole the show in the men’s 100m heats by clocking a blistering personal best of 9.88 seconds, securing second place in his heat and etching his name into Nigerian athletics history as the third-fastest man ever in the event—behind only Olusoji Fasuba (9.85s) and Divine Oduduru (9.86s).
“My goal is to make it to the final and to be the youngest athlete in that final. I want to show that anything is possible, no matter your age or background,” Ajayi said after the race.
Also, eighteen-year-old Okon stormed to victory in his 100m heat to book his place in the semi-finals. The national champion clocked 10.04s in heat six, finishing ahead of Britain’s Zharnel Hughes, who ran 10.06s, and Italy’s Lamont Jacobs, who posted 10.20s.
“Yeah, it went well. I’m very happy right now. Actually, I qualified for the semi-final. I’m the happiest,” Okon said trackside after the race.
When asked about lining up against established names in the semi-final, which includes Jamaica’s Oblique Seville, Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, South Africa’s Gift Leotlela, and Canada’s Andre De Grasse, Okon rejected any notion of intimidation.
“Like I said, I’m not scared of anyone. I have two legs. You have two legs too. We’re good to go. I’m ready. That’s all,” he told reporters.
Nigeria’s Chukwuebuka Enekwechi also finished fifth in the men’s shot put final at the 2025 World championships, recording a best throw of 21.52m. The national record-holder ended just outside the podium positions after securing his place in the final with a throw of 20.83m in qualification, advancing to his third consecutive global final.
In the medal showdown, Enekwechi opened with 20.90m, fouled his second attempt, and followed with 20.59m before finding his rhythm to reach his best mark of 21.52m. The gold medal went to Ryan Crouser of the USA with a season’s best of 22.34m, while Mexico’s Uziel Muñoz claimed silver with a national record of 21.97m. Italy’s Leonardo Fabbri took bronze at 21.94m, with New Zealand’s Tom Walsh matching Fabbri’s distance but settling for fourth on countback.
On the other hand, Rosemary Chukwuma crashed out of the women’s 100m heats, finishing outside the top three automatic slots in heat 2 and missing out on the fastest losers’ places. Jamaica’s Tina Clayton and Great Britain’s Dina Asher-Smith dominated the race, advancing comfortably alongside Poland’s Ewa Swoboda.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has commended Ajayi, Amusan, and other athletes for their performances at the ongoing 2025 World Championships.
This was contained in a press statement issued on Sunday by Kola Daniel, Special Assistant on Media to the office of the Director General of the National Sports Commission.
The statement reads: “Ajayi Makes History as First Nigerian in World Championships 100m Final in 18 Years, Amusan Makes 100mH Semis in Style.
“History was made at the Tokyo 2025 World Championships as Nigeria’s Kanyinsola Ajayi competed in the men’s 100m final, ending the nation’s 18-year wait for representation in the event’s biggest stage.
“Ajayi powered to an impressive 9.93 seconds in his semifinal on Sunday morning, finishing behind Olympic champion Noah Lyles and booking his place in the final.
“In doing so, he became the first Nigerian man since Olusoji Fasuba in 2007 to reach a World Championships 100m final.
“In the highly anticipated final, Ajayi delivered a strong performance on his debut, finishing sixth with a time of 10.00 seconds. Although he missed out on the medals, his achievement marks a significant milestone for Nigeria, as the 21-year-old broke a long-standing record on his 21st birthday.
“The final saw Jamaica’s Oblique Seville clinch gold, followed by compatriot Kishane Thompson in silver, while Olympic champion Noah Lyles of the United States secured bronze.
“Meanwhile, on Saturday, World Record holder Tobi Amusan underlined Nigeria’s continued presence on the global stage by clocking 12.53 seconds to win heat 6 of the women’s 100m hurdles.
“She finished ahead of Devynne Charlton of the Bahamas, who ran 12.69s. Amusan will return for the semifinals on Monday in Tokyo as she continues her chase for another world title.”
