2-8-2025
Israel Okon a.k.a Alika, Saturday evening ran 10.04 seconds to emerge champion of the men’s 100m at the 2025 Athletics Federation of Nigeria national trials.
Okon dusted Alaba Akintola in a tightly contested race at the Yaba College of Technology sports complex Lagos much to the delight of his fans and Enugu State Athletics officials.
Akintola clocked 10.05secs to clinch the second spot while Nicholas Fakorede was third with 10.07.
“I’m very happy right now to be the national champion,” Okon said after catching his breath.
“In Tokyo, anything can happen, anything is possible. Everything is possible there.
“I’m putting my faith in my Coach, Coach Ken, I am ready to go for whatever he asks me to do ahead of the world championship.”
The women’s 100m will be decided Sunday.
Okon is one of the athletes Enugu State is banking on in next year’s National Sports Festival as they aim to dominate athletics.
Another Enugu athlete who made the officials smile was Divine Oladipo who won the women’s shot put with 17.01m
“We are so excited about the outing of our athletes so far… we wish those who have qualified for the World Championships in Tokyo a good outing.
“We need themin good form to make the difference next year at Enugu 2026,” said a coach from the Coal City.