Nigeria will be Africa's sole representative in the mixed 4x100m relay when the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships commence in Budapest, Hungary, from September 11 to 13 at the National Athletics Centre. The biennial event features a $10 million prize pool, with winners earning $150,000 each, and is a three-day competition designed for television broadcast.
Nigeria secured its spot alongside Jamaica, Canada, the United States, Germany, and Spain based on performances in the mixed 4x100m final at the recently concluded World Relays in Gaborone, Botswana. Kenya, the other African country listed, will compete in the mixed 4x400m relay.
NSC Director General Commends Qualification
Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), described Nigeria's qualification as another milestone. "We will continue to give our athletes the support they need to excel at major competitions. The results at the World Relays in Botswana are a pointer to the fact that with motivation, our athletes will always give their best," he said.
Rosemary Nwankwo Reflects on Journey
Teenage star Rosemary Nwankwo, expected to be in Nigeria's 4x100m team, called her ticket to the World Championships a major milestone. "I feel so good because this is my first big tournament since I started athletics, and I am so grateful to God," she said.
At the World Relays, the Nigerian women's relay team dropped the baton on the first day but corrected the mistake on the second day to qualify. Nwankwo explained, "What happened on the first day was nobody's fault, but thank God we had another opportunity to run again, and we qualified. So I am so excited."
She added, "During the race, I was not looking at anyone. What was in my head was about what I could give to help my team to succeed. I wasn't concerned whether this one is faster than that one. I just ran with all I had, and I gave my very best."
Next Goals
Nwankwo's next focus is the Senior Africa Championship in Ghana, where she aims to leave a lasting impression. Her experience at the World Relays, including overcoming hurdles with baton handling, has been invaluable.
