Day One of the 2025 Nigerian Athletics Championships kicked off in thrilling fashion at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos, with Personal and Season’s Bests lighting up the track and field.

Returning to the track where he once trained, Kayinsola Ajayi opened the men’s 100m with a strong 10.07s (+3.0) win in Heat 1. His Auburn teammate Israel Okon responded with a blistering PB of 10.03s (+1.2) to win Heat 2. Joachim Uyovwiyoma followed with a PB of 10.43s, while Gafar Audu also made the semis in 10.46s.

Nicholas Fakorede continued the fireworks in Heat 3, clocking a new lifetime best of 10.06s (+1.9). Enoch Adegoke looked sharp with a Season’s Best of 10.12s, holding off Chidera Nzeakor’s PB of 10.25s in their heat.

Alaba Akintola posted 10.08s in Heat 5, with Timileyin Olanrewaju behind in 10.29s. Olaolu Olatunde matched his PB of 10.13s to take Heat 6, while Seye Ogunlewe, a three-time national champion, won Heat 7 in 10.18s. John Caleb also impressed, running a PB of 10.21s.

In the women’s 100m, Olayinka Olajide stood out with the day’s fastest time of 11.37s, winning Heat 2. Prestina Ochonogor and Chioma Nweke dominated Heats 1 and 4 with times of 11.47s and 11.48s respectively. Immaculate Daniel marked her return with an 11.60s win in Heat 3.

Other standout performers included Maria Thompson (11.50s) in Heat 5 and Tejiri Ugoh, who ran a lifetime best of 11.50s in Heat 6.

In the men’s 400m, Gafari Badmus led all qualifiers with a fast 45.91s in Heat 3. Victor Sampson and Team MTN’s Benjamin Magaji also advanced after winning their heats.

Patience Okon-George showed she’s still a force, clocking 51.92s to top the women’s 400m heats. Favour Onyah, fresh off African U20 success, won her heat in 53.17s, while Opeyemi Oke and Miracle Uwem also advanced to the final.

In the 110m Hurdles, Onwaeze Nnamdi posted the fastest time of 14.18s, ahead of Musa Great Wisdom (14.22s) and others.

In field events, Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons retained her Discus title with a throw of 60.74m, her third national crown. Obiageri Amaechi followed closely with 59.39m.

Sade Olatoye defended her Hammer title with a 67.50m throw. In men’s Long Jump, Charles Godfred won his second straight national title with a 7.95m leap. Honourable Clement, fresh from winning GOLD at the African U20s, cleared 2.05m to take his first senior High Jump title.

Francess Ajagbawa claimed victory in the women’s Triple Jump, rounding off a sensational opening day in Lagos.