Israel Okon wins first national title in thrilling 100m final at Nigerian Championships

For the fifth consecutive year, Nigeria has a new men's 100m champion after Israel Okon powered to his first senior national title in Yabatech.

The 18-year-old youngster blazed to a windy 10.04s (2.3) 10.04s, narrowly beating Alaba Akintola, who finished in 10.05s, while Fakorede Adekalu was third in 10.07s. Seye Ogunlewe ran an impressive race to finish fourth in 10.08s.

Okon first laid the gauntlet on his readiness as a top challenger for the title when he clocked a blistering Personal Best (PB) and National U20 Record of 10.03s to win his heat on Day 1 of the championship. It was the fastest qualifying time heading into the semifinals.

Not resting on his laurels, the Auburn University standout sprinter pulled away from the rest of the field to win in another fast 10.06s (+0.8), while Alaba Akintola (10.14s) and Olaolu Olatunde (10.15s) were the winners in the other semifinals.

Okon not only dominated all rounds before winning his first national title, but he stepped up in the absence of his training partner, senior college mate, and defending champion Kanyinsola Ajayi, who had to pull out from the semifinals due to personal reasons.

With his victory, Okon became the fifth different national champion since 2021 after Enoch Adegoke (2021), Favour Ashe (2022), Usheoritse Itsekiri (2023), and Kanyinsola Ajayi (2024).