After facing disappointment in three previous attempts, Nigeria’s 4x100m relay team achieved a remarkable feat on Thursday, securing their ticket to the upcoming Budapest 2023 World Championships, News About Nigeria reports.
The performance which took place during the Warri Grand Prix, was held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State.
The Nigerian team comprising Ashe Favour, Kanyinsola Ajayi, Alaba Akintola, and Godson Brume, showcased their speed, clocking an impressive 38.26 seconds to secure the qualifying spot.
In the semi-final event, they had recorded a time of 38.64 seconds, but their outstanding improvement in the final race sealed their place among the top 16 nations to compete in Budapest.
This success adds to Nigeria’s relay triumphs, with the women’s 4x100m, 4x400m and mixed relay teams already securing their spots in the World Championships.
The team’s victory was a proud moment for the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Delta State government, who jointly organized the event in honor of Dr. Awoture Eleyae, former Secretary General of the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa.
The Nigerian men’s 4x100m team had faced disappointment in their previous attempts to qualify in Lome, Togo, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, and Cotonou, where they encountered issues with their baton exchange.
However, this time, the athletes were determined to avoid any mistakes and secure their place on the global stage.
Godson Brume, one of the Nigerian sprinters based in the United States who anchored the team, had emphasized the importance of flawless baton exchanges before the race.
He acknowledged the AFN’s efforts in providing them with another relay event after the mishap in Cotonou, and his resolve was evident in the team’s performance.
AFN President, Tonobok Okowa, expressed his elation at the team’s victory, stating, “I am so excited we got the ticket at last. I thank God for this wonderful gift. We can now concentrate on our preparation for the World Championships in Budapest.”
