Clash of Titans: Ajayi, Ashe, Adegoke headline Tokyo 2025 Trials in Lagos as AFN unveils Order of Events

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has officially unveiled the order of events for the eagerly awaited National Trials serving as qualifiers for the 20th World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

The competition kicks off on August 1, with venue details unlisted on the official release—but expectations point strongly to Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, which memorably hosted the Tokyo Olympic qualifiers in 2021.

Despite the shoddy manner of preparation for the event by the AFN, the trials promise to be a pulsating spectacle of speed, strength and national pride, bringing together Nigeria’s finest athletes as they seek qualification for the Tokyo 2025 championships.

All eyes will be locked on Day 2, when the nation’s premier sprint contest—the 100m men’s and women’s finals—takes center stage. With a lineup stacked with elite speedsters, the race is widely tipped to be the most explosive and anticipated event of the trials.

Reigning champion and fastest Nigerian in 2025, Kanyinsola Ajayi, who dazzled with a season’s best of 9.92 seconds, will attempt to defend his title against a field bubbling with competition.

Former champion Favour Ashe, winner of the 2022 crown, returns with renewed hunger and blistering form. Meanwhile, Enoch Adegoke, who ignited national celebration with a historic 10.00 seconds flat on this very track in 2021, is out to revive his Olympic magic.

Adegoke etched his name in history as the first Nigerian man in 25 years to qualify for and run in an Olympic 100m final. With the 2025 World Championships also destined for Tokyo, hopes rise that history may repeat itself in the same arena where dreams once bloomed.

The trials are not only about speed—they’re about loyalty and allegiance. The absence or participation of top sprinters such as Favour Ofili could settle speculations regarding possible nationality switches.

Ofili’s rumored move to represent Turkey remains a burning topic. Should she and others fail to appear, without formal medical clearance, Nigeria may find itself staring at a worrying talent exodus.

The AFN Trials—set across multiple high-stakes events—will crown national champions, select world-class representatives, and confirm which athletes are still committed to flying Nigeria’s green and white.