Day one of the 2025 Nigerian Athletics Championships in Lagos delivered a string of thrilling performances, with national champions retaining their titles, new stars emerging, and personal bests falling across various events. In the women’s Discus Throw, Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons stamped her dominance once again, successfully defending her crown with a solid heave of 60.74m. This marked her third national title, and her first in a World Championship. She held off Obiageri Amaechi, who threw 59.39m for second place, while Ruqqayah Kemi Mustapha rounded out the top three with a mark of 40.95m.
The women’s 400m heats showcased experience and promise. Veteran Patience Okon-George produced the fastest time of the day, clocking 51.92s to dominate heat 2. She reeled in Toheebat Jimoh, the African U20 Bronze medallist, on the home straight. Earlier in heat 1, African U20 Champion Favour Onyah showed her class, taking the win in 53.17s, ahead of Anita Enaruna and Success Okoro. Opeyemi Deborah Oke made sure to stamp her name in the final by claiming heat 3 with 53.48s, edging out a fast finishing Miracle Uwem Donald.
The men’s 400m heats were just as electric, led by Gafar Badmus, who lit up the track with a of 45.91s the fastest overall time. He took full control from the start, holding off David Akhalu and Isaac Chukwunweike who also advanced. Victor Sampson, Benjamin Magaji, and Ezekiel Asuquo also won their respective heats in what promises to be a hotly contested semifinal round. A standout moment came in heat 2 when Ezekiel Eno and Magaji, seemingly executing a tactical race, eased into the semis while preserving energy for the rounds ahead.
Sprinting fans were not left disappointed as the women’s 100m heats delivered fireworks. Prestina Ochonogor, Olayinka Olajide, and Maria Thompson all impressed, while rising stars Chioma Cynthia Nweke and Tejiri Ugoh each secured heat victories with impressive times of 11.44s and 11.50s, respectively. Immaculate Daniel also picked up a win with 11.60s, continuing the deepening competition in the women’s sprints. It was a significant showing of depth in the field, suggesting a loaded final ahead.
But it was the men’s 100m that truly brought the Yaba Sports Complex to life. Kanyinsola Ajayi fired the opening warning shot with a dominant 10.05s in heat 1, shutting down early and still winning by a mile. Then came a flurry of PBs Israel Okon clocked 10.03s, Fakorede Nicholas ran 10.06s, and John Caleb exploded with a massive PB of 10.21s. Alaba Akintola (10.08s) and Olaolu Olatunde (10.13s) also looked sharp, while Enoch Adegoke showed signs of returning to form, winning his heat in 10.14s. With the semis and finals yet to come, Nigeria’s sprint depth is looking terrifyingly good in this World Championship year.
Field events also delivered their share of brilliance. Charles Godfred made it back to back titles in the men’s long jump, soaring to 7.95m, his second farthest mark this season. The defending champion was in a class of his own, fending off Ibukun Daramola who jumped 7.56m for silver, and Tobechukwu Emmanuel Nwokocha who earned bronze with 7.54m. Godfred’s consistency and poise under pressure signal a strong finish to his 2025 season.
In the women’s 800m, Comfort James was simply untouchable. Comfort led from the gun, finishing with a commanding 2:06.60, earning her fourth national title in the event and solidifying her place among Nigeria’s middle distance greats. Ramat Jimoh, who has led the national list this year, finished strong for silver, but could not catch James on the day. With this win, James now boasts six national titles across the 800m and 1500m a feat few have matched in recent history.
And then came the high jump and Honourable Clement proved that his name is more than just ceremonial. Just days after winning gold at the CAA African U20 Championships, he returned to Nigerian soil and cleared 2.05m to claim the senior national title. Against a competitive field, Clement stood tallest quite literally and announced himself as one of the brightest young talents in Nigerian athletics.
From track to field, Day One of the Nigerian Athletics Championships was a stirring reminder of the country’s deep well of talent and just how high the bar has been set for the rest of the competition.