Nigerian sprinter Kayinsola Ajayi booked his place in the men’s 100 metres final at the World Athletics Championships on Sunday, marking a significant achievement for Nigeria on the global sprinting stage.
Ajayi finished second in his semi-final heat with a time of 9.93 seconds, just 0.01 seconds behind the heat winner, defending champion Noah Lyles of the United States, who crossed the line in 9.92 seconds. South Africa’s Akani Simbine placed third in the same heat with 9.96 seconds, also advancing to the final.
The progression of Ajayi to the final was a notable surprise, as he outpaced several more experienced sprinters, including 2021 Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs of Italy, who finished sixth in his semi-final and failed to qualify.
The other semi-finals featured tight finishes. Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson edged American Kenny Bednarek in 9.85 seconds in the second heat, while Jamaican Oblique Seville won the third heat in 9.86 seconds, ahead of Botswanan Letsile Tebogo (9.94 seconds). South Africa’s Gift Leotlela, finishing third in the final semi-final heat in 9.97 seconds, also secured a place in the eight-man final as one of the fastest non-automatic qualifiers.
Ajayi’s advancement places Nigeria among the contenders in a field headlined by defending champions and Olympic medalists, highlighting the country’s emerging presence in elite men’s sprinting competitions.
The men’s 100m final is set to feature eight athletes, including Lyles, Thompson, Tebogo, Seville, Simbine, Leotlela, and Ajayi, who will compete for the world title in Tokyo.
