Israel Okon storms to National U20 Record as fast times highlight Day 1 of Nigerian Championships at Yabatech

The men's 100m heat sparked lots of excitement with fast times as Israel Okon dominated star-studded names on Day 1 of the Nigerian Championships at Yabatech.

With lots of expectations and purpose to hit the World Championships qualifying standard, Okon blazed to a blistering Personal Best (PB) of 10.03s to win his heat, which was the fastest time on the day.

With his time, the 18-year-old broke his National U20 Record of 10.06s clocked just two weeks ago in Switzerland, showing the great form he's in.

Swiftly following suit is his college teammate and training partner Kanyinsola Ajayi, who blazed to another fast 10.05s to win his heat, shutting it down about 30m to go and making a bold statement as the favourite to win the national title.

Nicholas Fakorade clocked the third fastest time on the day, also running a new PB of 10.06s to win his heat, while Alaba Akintola ran a new Season's Best (SB) of 10.08s for a convincing win in his heat.

Rising star Olaolu Olatunde continued with his exceptional form this season, dropping an impressive PB of 10.13s, with Tokyo Olympics finalist Enoch Adegoke bouncing back to his best shape since 2021, stopping the clock in a SB of 10.14s.

Completing the fastest runners on the day are veteran Seye Ogunlewe in 10.18s, while youngster John Caleb ran a PB of 10.21s to also make the semifinals.

Texas Tech's sophomore Olayinka Olajide led the women’s 100m heats with 11.37s, delivering a commanding performance in heat 2.

Newly crowned African U20 long jump champion Prestina Ochonogor switched to the sprints and ran an impressive PB of 11.48s, which smashed her previous best of 11.62s, thus showcasing her versatility across both sprints and jumps.

Daniel Immaculate cruised to victory in heat 3 with a composed run finishing in 11.62s, while Chioma Nweke stormed to a new PB of 11.44s in Heat 4, shaving her previous best of 11.56s.

Maria Thompson impressed in Heat 5 in a brilliant PB of 11.45s, as Tejiri Ugho, the youngest in the field, delivered a massive PB of 11.49s to win the final heat in style.

Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons successfully defended her national title in the women's Discus Throw with a distance of 60.74m, her third title in the event and her first in a World Championship year.

She finished ahead of Obiageri Amaechi, also throwing an impressive 59.39m, while third place went to Ruqqayah Kemi Mustapha, who threw 40.95m.

In the women's hammer throw, Sade Olatoye also retained her title with an impressive mark of 67.50m.

Finally, Charles Godfred clinched back-to-back national titles in the men's long jump with a brilliant leap of 7.95m - his second farthest jump of the season.

Ibukun Daramola impressed as well, earning his first senior championship medal by soaring to 7.56m to take home the silver.