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Nigerian sprinters Kanyinsola Ajayi and Israel Okon have qualified for the semi-finals of the men’s 100m event at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Ajayi clocked an impressive 9.88 seconds, a new personal best, to finish second in his heat behind South Africa’s Gift Leotlela, who ran 9.87 seconds. This achievement makes Ajayi the third-fastest Nigerian sprinter of all time, behind Olusoji Fasuba (9.85s) and Divine Oduduru (9.86s).
Ajayi has now recorded five sub-10-second runs this season, tying the national record for most sub-10s in a career. Meanwhile, Israel Okon, making his senior global debut, won his heat with a time of 10.04 seconds, showcasing remarkable composure.
Kanyinsola Ajayi will compete in Semi 1 against top athletes like Noah Lyles, Akani Simbine, Ackeem Blake, and Lamont Marcell Jacobs. Israel Okon will face stiff competition in Semi 3 from athletes like Oblique Seville, Letsile Tebogo, Gift Leotlela, and Andre De Grasse.
The semi-finals are expected to be thrilling, with Nigeria’s hopes for the men’s 100m final riding on strong performances from Ajayi and Okon.
