Ajayi Makes History as First Nigerian in 100m World Championships Final in 18 Years

Nigeria’s Kanyinsola Ajayi has etched his name into the history books after qualifying for the men’s 100 metres final at the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

Ajayi clocked an impressive 9.93 seconds to finish second in his semifinal heat, booking his place in the highly anticipated final and ending Nigeria’s long wait for representation at the pinnacle of sprinting.

With the performance, Ajayi becomes the first Nigerian man since Olusoji Fasuba in 2007 to reach the World Championships 100m final.

Fasuba, who remains one of Africa’s fastest men, last carried the nation’s flag in the global showpiece nearly two decades ago, making Ajayi’s achievement a significant moment for Nigerian athletics.

The 22-year-old sprinter looked composed throughout the race, keeping pace with a stacked field before surging in the final metres to secure automatic qualification.

His sub-10-second run not only underlines his consistency this season but also signals his readiness to compete with the world’s best on the grandest stage.

Athletics enthusiasts and fans back home have reacted with excitement, hailing Ajayi’s breakthrough as a turning point for Nigerian sprinting. Many described it as a long-overdue return for a country with a rich history in athletics but one that has struggled to consistently produce finalists in global sprint events in recent years.

Ajayi will now line up in the final with the opportunity to chase a historic medal for Nigeria.

His qualification alone, however, has already brought renewed hope and pride to the nation’s athletics faithful, who will be eagerly watching as he attempts to deliver another landmark performance in Tokyo.