National Athletics Trials : Okon emerges new fastest man in Nigeria

The men’s 100m final of the 2025 Road to Tokyo National Athletics Trials at the tartan track of the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, on Saturday lived up to expectation as the finalist raised the tempo to the highest level, leaving the crowd on their feets within the seconds of the race as Israel Okon became the new National Champion.

The defending champion, Kanyinsola Ajayi, was conspicuously missing after failing to take part in the semis due to a slight knock as he looked forward to making the 4x100m relay race with Nigeria looking to secure the ticket to the World Championship in Tokyo, Japan.

Okon, popularly called “Alika” raced to the finishing line in a time of 10.04secs with a close chase by Alaba Akintola who placed 2nd in a time of 10.05secs while Fakorede Nicholas finished third with the time of 10.07secs.

Nicholas was followed by Seye Ogunlewe in 4th position with 10.09sec, Olaolu Olatunde 5th with 10.15, James Taiwo Emmanuel 6th in 10.16, Enoch Adegoke ran 10.20 for 7th placed and Igube ThankGod placed 8th.

Speaking after the race, Okon said he was happy to win his second title albeit first 100m after winning the 200m at the last National Trials in Benin, Edo State.

According to him, he is looking forward to the World Championship in Tokyo later in the year.

“I’m very happy right now to be the national champion,” he said.
“In Tokyo, anything can happen, anything is possible. Everything is possible here.
“I’m putting my faith in my Coach, Coach Ken, I am ready to go for whatever he asks me to do ahead of the world championship.”