Ajayi breaks 18-year drought, storms into World Athletics Championships 100m final
Nigerian sprinter, Kanyinsola Ajayi, has made history by becoming the first Nigerian in 18 years to qualify for the men’s 100m final at the World Athletics Championships, marking a major milestone in his young career and in the nation’s sprinting history.
The 21-year-old sensation clocked a blistering 9.93 seconds in the semi-finals, finishing second behind American star Noah Lyles, who won the heat in 9.92 seconds. South Africa’s Akani Simbine placed third with 9.96 seconds.
Ajayi’s qualification ends Nigeria’s near two-decade absence from the 100m final — a stage last graced by Olusoji Fasuba at the 2007 Championships in Osaka, Japan.
Adding a personal touch to the historic moment, Ajayi achieved the feat on his birthday, giving the celebration even greater significance.
For the first time in World Championships history, four African sprinters will contest the men’s 100m final, making up half of the eight-man line-up. Joining Ajayi are Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo (9.94s season best), and South Africans Gift Leotlela (9.95s) and Akani Simbine (9.96s).
From humble beginnings in Ikorodu, Lagos, to the global spotlight in Tokyo, Ajayi’s meteoric rise has made him one of the breakout stars of the 2025 Championships.
He will return to the track later today to compete in his first-ever global championship final, with the hopes of a nation resting on his shoulders as he aims to challenge for a podium finish and cement his place among the world’s sprinting elite.
