Kanyinsola Ajayi produced a thunderous performance at the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships, clocking 9.93 seconds to finish second in his 100m semifinal and secure a place in the final. The run — posted by Nigeria Stories on social media — marks what reporters are calling the first time in 18 years that a Nigerian man has reached a World Championships 100m final, a milestone that has sparked celebrations across the nation.
Ajayi’s semifinal time of 9.93s is a statement in itself: it catapulted him into the championship final and confirmed his status among the world’s elite sprinters at this meet. The result will raise expectations for Nigeria on the global stage and is being hailed as a major boost for the country’s sprint programme, which has been searching for a breakthrough performance at the very highest level.
Fans and commentators reacted quickly online, celebrating both the result and what it could mean for the future of Nigerian athletics. Social posts highlighted the historic angle — ending an 18-year wait for a Nigerian man in a world championship 100m final — and expressed optimism that Ajayi can convert this form into a podium challenge in the championship decider.
Ajayi now advances to the final, where he will face the fastest sprinters from around the world for a shot at a medal. Finals at global championships are notoriously unpredictable; with confidence high after his semifinal, Ajayi will be aiming to execute a clean start and sustain his speed under the pressure of the biggest stage.
Whether he brings home a medal or not, Ajayi’s 9.93s and place in the final will be remembered as an important moment for Nigerian track and field — one likely to inspire younger athletes and draw renewed attention to sprinting development programmes back home. For now, all eyes will be on the final as Nigeria roots for one of its brightest prospects to run even faster when it matters most.
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