Nigeria’s quartet of Dubem Nwachukwu, Patience Okon-George, Ezekiel Nathaniel and Imaobong Nse Uko competed in the mixed 4x400m relay on Day 1 of the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.
Running in lane nine, Nwachukwu ran an impressive first leg before passing the baton to veteran Okon-George, who then faded somewhat before Nathaniel took over, with Uko running the final leg. The team could only manage a 7th place finish, clocking a Season’s Best (SB) of 3:14.38 in Heat 2, with Uko anchoring at the time. The team will not partake in tonight’s final after being ranked 12th overall.
The Netherlands won the race in a SB of 3:12.12 and followed by France who set a new National Record of 3:12.25. The Czech Republic (3:12.52) secured the third automatic qualification while Germany (3:13.25) will join with the fastest time outside the top three in both heats.
Hot favourites, USA led the way in Heat 1, qualifying for the final with a World Lead (WL) of 3:10.41. Great Britain also did well, storming to a new NR of 3:11.19. Belgium came in third with 3:11.81 as Ireland also secured a place in the final later this evening.
Last year in Oregon, the team comprising of Samson Nathaniel, Dubem Amene, Uko and Okon-George qualified for their 1st ever World Championships final and placed 6th.
