Team Nigeria made a triumphant return to the World Relays Championships in the Bahamas, clinching their Olympic ticket in the mixed 4x400m relay after a five-year absence.
The quartet of Samuel Ogazi, Ella Onojuvwevwo, Chidi Okezie, and Esther Elo Joseph showcased remarkable teamwork and determination. Despite a slow start, Samuel Ogazi ran a strategic race, handing off the baton in 2nd place to Ella Onojuvwevwo, who fiercely competed with USA’s Lynna Irby Jackson. Chidi Okezie, the reigning African Games 400m Champion, delivered an outstanding performance, overtaking the USA’s Ryan Willie with the fastest split time of 44.78s.
Esther Elo Joseph maintained the lead until the final stretch, where Kendall Elis of the USA surged ahead, setting a Championships Record (CR) of 3:11.52. Team Nigeria secured 2nd place with a time of 3:13.79, automatically qualifying for the Olympics for the second consecutive time. South Africa finished 3rd in 3:15.95, while Bahrain Did Not Finish (DNF).
With their Olympic berth confirmed, Team Nigeria looks forward to Day 2 with hopes of clinching a medal in the final.
