Nigeria Qualifies For 1st Ever Mixed 4x400m Final
Team Nigeria’s quartet of Samson Nathaniel, Patience Okon-George, Dubem Amene and Imaobong Nse Uko put up a spirited display to book a place in their first ever final of the mixed 4x400m on Day 1 of the World Championships in Oregon, storming to a Season’s Best (SB) of 3:14.59 to place 5th in Heat 1.
Nigeria was drawn in Lane 3 and flanked by defending champions – USA, and Olympic Gold medallists, Poland. As the only African team featuring in the event, Nigeria gave a good account of themselves as they finished 5th in their heat and crossing the line ahead of Great Britain and Belgium.
If the 4th and 5th place teams from heat 2 don’t better this time, Nigeria will go through. 3 teams from each heat will automatically qualify, and next 2 fastest times joining them.
Your qualified teams for tonight’s mixed 4x400m relay final!
Make sure to watch (19:50 PDT) 📺 https://t.co/eIB6DTTmc3
#WorldAthleticsChamps pic.twitter.com/X4XFxCiDoY— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) July 15, 2022
Wadeline Jonathas anchored USA to a sizzling World Lead (WL) of 3:11.75, partnering with Elijah Godwin, Kennedy Simon and Vernon Norwood to finish ahead of the Netherlands (3:12.63, SB), and Poland (3:13.70, SB) in Heat 1, with Italy settling for 4th in 3:13.89, SB).
Dominican Republic won Heat 2 with 3:13.22, with Ireland and Jamaica following.
Nigeria currently holds the African Record (AR) in the event as Emmanuel Ojeli, Uko, Nathaniel and Okon-George clocked a time of of 3:13.60 at the Tokyo Olympics.
(Women’s 100m)
Athletes Favour Ofili and Rosemary Chukwuma will not be competing in the women’s 100m for Team Nigeria at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, USA.
Grace Nwokocha is the only entered athlete representing Team Nigeria in this event.
Chidi Nwoke/Making of Champions/World Athletics.
