Team Nigeria made a statement at the Lefika International Relays in Gaborone, Botswana setting a new African Record of 41.44sec in the 4x100m mixed relay and secured qualification for the World Relays Championships.
The record-breaking quartet of Chidera Ezeakor, Maria Thompson, James Taiwo Emmanuel, and Obi Jennifer Chukwuka , stormed to victory announcing Nigeria’s dominance in the newly introduced event.
In a related developemnt, Team Nigeria’s 4x400m men also qualified for the World Relays Championships.
The quartet of Sikiru Adeyemi, Nathaniel Samson, Victor Samson and Emmanuel Ojeli ran 3.02.98sec at the Lefika International Relays in Gaborone to meet the cut for the World Relays.
Similarly, Team Nigeria delivered a statement performance in the men’s 4×100m men with a blistering time of 38.98 seconds at the Lefika International Relays to clinch victory .
The Nigerian quartet showed composure and sharp baton exchanges to hold off a late surge from Kenya, sealing gold in emphatic fashion and underlining their growing dominance on the relay circuit.
Kenya had to settle for second place in 39.12 seconds, thanks to a powerful anchor leg from Ferdinand Omanyala, who surged from third to snatch silver in dramatic style.
Botswana completed the podium in 39.31 seconds.
But the spotlight firmly belonged to Team Nigeria, whose speed, cohesion, and execution proved unmatched on the day, sending a strong message ahead of CAA Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana in May.
Meanwhile, Team Nigeria delivered a strong statement at the Lefika International Relays, clinching a hard-fought silver medal in the mixed 4×400m relay behind a blazing Kenyan side.
Despite a determined and cohesive performance, the Nigerian quartet crossed the line in 3:16.33, finishing second to Kenya, whose team anchored by Mercy Oketch, powered to gold in an impressive 3:14.04.
South Africa settled for bronze in 3:20.07, while Botswana placed fourth.
Nigeria’s relay team showed grit and promise throughout the race, staying within striking distance of the lead and fending off pressure from South Africa in the closing stages.
Their performance underlines the country’s growing strength in relay events and offers plenty of encouragement ahead of major international competitions.
While Kenya celebrated the top podium finish, Team Nigeria’s spirited run will stand out as a key takeaway, proof that they remain a formidable force on the track.
