Israel Okon won his maiden 100m national crown at the 2025 Nigerian Athletics Championships in Lagos when he stormed to victory in 10.04s to cap an electrifying final that saw four athletes dip under 10.10s.

The 18-year-old edged out Alaba Akintola, who clocked 10.05s to settle for silver, while Adekalu Fakorede placed third in 10.07s.

Former national champion Seye Ogunlewe narrowly missed the podium with a strong 10.09s finish.

Olaolu Olatunde (10.15s), James Emmanuel (10.16s), and Enoch Adegoke (10.20s) completed the final line-up in a race that underlined the growing depth of Nigerian sprinting talent.

Defending champion Kanyinsola Ajayi was a late withdrawal after he posted on X (formerly Twitter) that he would not be participating due to personal reasons. He confirmed to PUNCH Sports Extra that he opted out of the final as a precaution to avoid aggravating a potential injury.

Okon, who won the 200m national title in 2024, expressed his excitement at finally adding the blue-riband sprint title to his r?sum?. Speaking to PUNCH Sports Extra, he described the moment as a culmination of hard work and belief.

?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 with a smile.

When asked if Ajayi?s absence gave him an advantage, Okon was diplomatic, stressing that anything could have happened regardless of who was on the track, saying, ?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.?

The race itself was tightly contested, with just 0.05s separating the top three finishers. Okon revealed that staying composed was crucial in such a high-stakes field.

?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,? he said.

Looking ahead, Okon remains hopeful of representing Nigeria on the global stage, but said decisions on international competition will depend on the federation.

?I?m not sure yet what?s next,? he admitted. ?It depends on the team and the government, but I?m confident in my coach, Ken, and the work we?ve put in.?

Elsewhere at the championships, Tobi Amusan returned to home soil for the first time since 2021, cruising through her 100m heat in 11.28s to qualify for Sunday?s semifinal. The world record holder is also set to compete in the 100m hurdles final at the same venue today.

In the men?s 400m, Gafar Badmus continued his impressive form, winning his semifinal in 46.93s after posting 45.91s in the heats. David Akhalu placed second to book his spot in the final, while Ezekiel Asuquo won the first semifinal in 47.07s ahead of Victor Sampson and Benjamin Magaji.

In the 110m hurdles, Nnamdi Onwaeze clinched his first national title with a 14.13s run, holding off Wisdom Musa, who finished second in 14.19s. Musa had earlier clocked a personal best of 13.73s in the qualification rounds. (Sunday PUNCH)

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