Kanyinsola Ajayi becomes first Nigerian in 18 years to reach world championships 100m final

On his 21st birthday, rising star Kanyinsola Ajayi has made history for himself by becoming the first Nigerian in 18 years to reach a world championships men's 100m final.

The speedster who gave a glimpse of his exceptional talent in the heats by clocking a massive personal best of 9.88s, just behind South Africa's Gift Leotlela's 9.87s.

Ajayi's time became the fastest time by a Nigerian in world championships history, thus propelling him as the next big name from the country in the event.

Not resting on his laurels, the Auburn University standout sprinter came back in the semifinals and did just enough to finish second in 9.93s, just behind world and Olympic champion Noah Lyles' winning time of 9.92s.

By finishing second, he automatically booked his spot in the final, thus becoming Nigeria's first since Olusoji Fasuba achieved the feat at Osaka 2007, where he narrowly finished in fourth place.

Ajayi will be gunning to match or surpass Fasuba in this feat, which will make him Nigeria's first-ever men's 100m medallist in world championship history.