In a display of sheer determination and skill, Nigeria’s 4x100m relay team clinched their long-awaited ticket to the Budapest 2023 World Championships at the prestigious Warri Grand Prix held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State.
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After facing three unsuccessful attempts, the quartet of Ashe Favour, Kanyinsola Ajayi, Alaba Akintola, and anchor Godson Brume delivered a superlative performance, finishing the race in an impressive 38.26 seconds.
The gripping race also featured strong contenders from Benin Republic and The Gambia, adding to the intensity of the competition.
Nigeria’s relay team showed exceptional improvement, initially recording 38.64 seconds in their semi-final event before shattering expectations with their exceptional 38.26-second finish in the final.
This outstanding achievement secures Nigeria’s place among the esteemed 16 nations that will compete in the forthcoming Budapest 2023 World Championships.
The victory in the 4x100m relay marks the fourth ticket Nigeria has obtained for the Championships, following earlier qualifications by the women’s 4x100m, 4x400m, and mixed relay teams.
Prior to the Warri Grand Prix, Nigeria’s men’s 4x100m team had faced setbacks in their previous attempts in Lome, Togo, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, and Cotonou, where they experienced a costly mix-up in baton exchange.
Determined to secure their spot in the prestigious championship, the athletes remained resolute and focused on their goals.
Godson Brume, a sprinter based in the United States, who anchored the victorious relay team in Asaba, emphasized the importance of flawless baton exchanges.
He expressed confidence in their performance and praised the efforts of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) for providing them with another opportunity to prove their mettle on the track.
Ecstatic about the team’s success, AFN President Tonobok Okowa could not contain his joy, expressing gratitude to God for this long-awaited triumph.
With the ticket now secured, Nigeria can channel its efforts into further preparations for the highly anticipated World Championships in Budapest.
Former AFN President, Chief Solomon Ogba, hailed the achievement as a dream come true, recognizing the team’s dedication and resilience in securing the coveted 4x100m relay ticket.
The athletes’ victory stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment and serves as a source of pride for the nation as they prepare to compete on the global stage in Budapest.
