Team Nigeria books world final spot, secures 2027 China qualification in style

Despite a late withdrawal, Team Nigeria has qualified for the final of the 4×100m mixed relay at the World Athletics Championships in Gaborone, Botswana.

By reaching the final on Sunday, the Nigerian team also secured qualification for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in China.

The team   made up of Favour Ashe, Jennifer Chukwuka-Obi, Chidera Ezeakor, and Maria Thompson ran a time of 40.24 seconds.

This made them one of the best-placed teams in the heats. The performance also set a new African record, improving on their previous best.

Canada won the semi-final in a world record time of 40.07 seconds. Germany finished second with 40.15 seconds, while the Netherlands came third in 40.20 seconds.

Team Nigeria, which was mainly made up of home-based athletes, was unable to qualify for four other relay events for next year’s World Championships.

It is also important to note that three key athletes were unable to travel to Gaborone. They are Rosemary Chukwuma, Blessing Ogundiran, and Anita Enaruna. Their absence affected the women’s 4×100m, women’s 4×400m, and 4×400m relay teams, which failed to secure qualification for the 2027 championships.

However, Team Nigeria still has another chance to qualify more relay teams. They will compete in the last qualification round on Sunday morning in the men’s 4×100m, men’s 4×400m, and mixed 4×400m events.