Two more tickets to the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Bejing, China, were obtained by Team Nigeria’s delegation to the World Relay Championship in Gaborone, Botswana, on Sunday.
On the last day of the competition at the crowded National Stadium in Gaborone, Botswana, the extra tickets were earned in the 4x100m women’s and 4x400m mixed relays.
Team Nigeria’s domestically trained competitors grabbed their opportunity, displaying depth, resiliency, and sheer speed to secure three relay qualifying, despite the absence of some international giants.
The first day’s unprecedented run by the mixed 4x100m quartet of Favour Ashe, Obi Jennifer Chukwuka, Chidera Ezeakor, and Maria Thompson Omokwe set the tone.
In addition to securing victory, their scorching 40.24 seconds set a new African record, demonstrating the increasing power of Nigeria’s domestic circuit.
After that, the mixed 4x400m team, led by Chidi Okezie and including Nathaniel Ezekiel, Taiwo Mary Kudoro, and Patience Okon George, produced a calm and strategic race.
Their best time of the season, 3:12.88, was more than sufficient to secure qualification.
The home contingent’s spirit of perseverance was also exemplified by the women’s 4x100m team. Nigeria’s quickest time since the 2024 Olympics in Paris, 42.94 seconds, was achieved by the quartet after a costly baton error on the first day.
Miracle Ezechukwu, a teenage phenomenon, spearheaded the effort, solidifying her position as one of the most promising newcomers to the domestic scene.
When the window opens later this year, Team Nigeria’s men’s and women’s 4x400m teams as well as the men’s 4x100m squad are still in the running for qualification.
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