Ajayi Ends 18-Year Wait, Storms Into World 100m Final In Tokyo

NIGERIA’S sprint sensation, Kanyinsola Ajayi, has ended the country’s 18-year absence in the men’s 100m final at the World Athletics Championships, blazing to a 9.93s finish in his semifinal at Tokyo 2025.

The 20-year-old became the first Nigerian since Olusoji Fasuba in 2007 to reach the final, showing remarkable composure against a stacked field that featured world champion Noah Lyles, Olympic gold medalist Marcell Jacobs, and South Africa’s Akani Simbine.

Ajayi’s performance cements his status as one of athletics’ rising stars, edging closer to Fasuba’s national record of 9.85s after already clocking 9.88s earlier in Tokyo. His qualification also strengthens Africa’s footprint in the blue-riband event, with Simbine, Letsile Tebogo, and Gift Leotlela also advancing.

The final lineup will include four Africans, two Americans, and two Jamaicans, setting the stage for one of the most competitive races of the championships.

For Ajayi, a former junior standout now delivering consistent sub-10 performances, Sunday’s final offers Nigeria a chance at long-awaited sprint glory.

Meanwhile, compatriot Israel Okon bowed out after placing seventh in his semifinal with 10.14s.