Another euphoric moment for the Nigerian Athletic team as the 4×100 women’s relay team secures their ticket in Bahamas for the Paris 2024 Olympics. The team sealed their qualification claiming victory in the heat race, finishing at a speed of 42.71s.
The quartet, Justina Eyakpobeyan, Favour Ofili, Olayinka Olajide, and Tima Godbless made impressive efforts in sealing their victory at the World Relays against Switzerland who placed 2nd place at a time of 42.75s, and the Chinese team who finished 43.13s. The men were not left out too, as they finished 38.57s to secure 2nd place in their heat behind the Ghanaian team, securing Nigeria’s first men’s 4x100m Olympic ticket in 16 years.
The other relay teams didn’t fail in making the country proud, as the men’s 4x400m team, consisting of Dubem Nwachukwu, Dubem Amene, Sikiru Adeyemi, and Chidi Okezie, delivered an outstanding performance, clocking in at 3:01.70. Marking the fastest time in two decades and securing their qualification for the Olympics.
The Mixed 4x400m also broke a 20-year record as they ran the fastest time ever by an African nation, clocking a National Record of 3:12.87. The quartet consisted of Samuel Ogazi, Ella Onojuvwevwo, Chidi Okezie, and Esther Elo.
This is the first time Nigeria has presented four relay teams, and all four teams qualified for the Games, making it the first time since 2004 that the country would have four relay teams at the quadrennial event. A phenomenal moment for the country.
The Sports Minister, Senator Enoh extended his heartfelt praises towards the teams for their efforts in claiming victory at the World Relays. “I am immensely proud of our Team Nigeria athletes for their exceptional performance at the World Relays Championship, which has secured two qualification tickets for the Olympic Games already. Their dedication, determination, and resilience have brought honor to our nation, and I congratulate them on this milestone”
With these significant achievements, the Nigerian athletic teams have no doubt represented us amazingly.