July 29, (THEWILL) – Nigeria’s men’s 4x100m relay team delivered an outstanding performance at the Warri Grand Prix in Asaba, clocking an impressive time of 38.26 seconds, to qualify for the highly anticipated Budapest 2023 World Championships.
This remarkable achievement marks the fastest time returned by a Nigerian team in over a decade, igniting hopes for a podium finish in Hungary. Godson Oghenebrume, the United States-based sprinter, who anchored the team said: “I was so excited they got their baton exchange right at the Warri Grand Prix.”
Oghenebrume added: “We are also grateful for the morale support and encouragement by Chief Solomon Ogba and everyone who made this qualification possible. I am looking forward to a successful outing in Budapest.”
The quartet of Favour Ashe, Kayinsola Ajayi, Alaba Akintola, and Oghenebrume blazed through the track, setting a new national record that had not been surpassed since the 2004 Athens Olympics. The team commended the organisers, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) President, Tonobok Okowa; Technical Director, Samuel Onikeku, and the coaching staff, including Seigha Porbeni, Tony Osheku, and Endurance Ojokolo, for their instrumental roles in their success.
As the stage is set for the global competition, Nigerian athletes are eagerly anticipating a successful outing in Budapest. While Oghenebrume and Ashe are expected to depart for their base in the United States on Monday, Akintola has decided to train in Nigeria for the World Championships.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
