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.
Drawn in Lane 3 and flanked by defending champions – USA, and Olympic GOLD medallists, Poland, Nigeria, the only African team featured in the event, gave a good account of themselves, finishing 5th in their heat and crossing the line ahead of Great Britain and Belgium. Nigeria secured the last fastest losers spot to secure a place in the final which will be the last event for Day 1.
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.
The final comes up at 3:50am (Nigerian time).
