Nigeria has set a new African record in the mixed 4x100 metres relay race at the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, Botswana. The quartet of Favour Ashe, Jennifer Obi, Chidera Ezeakor, and Maria Omokwe blitzed to a record time of 40.24 seconds on Saturday in one of the event's heats. Nigeria finished fourth in the race but secured one of two non-automatic qualification spots for the final, thereby booking the country's place in the mixed 4x100 relay at the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing. The final of the mixed 4x100m will be held on Sunday.
Key Points:
- Nigeria sets a new continental benchmark in the mixed 4x100m relay event.
- The team qualifies for the 2027 World Championships in Beijing despite a fourth-place heat finish.
- Maria Omokwe anchored the team to the African record finish.
- Nigeria failed to make the finals in five other events, including women's 4x100m after a baton howler.
- Repechages on Sunday offer another chance for tickets in other events.
Sources: The Cable, Vanguard
