Sports Minister, Enoh hails as Nigeria’s 4×400m mixed relay team books olympic ticket

Team Nigeria has qualified for Olympics in the Mixed 4x400m, punching an automatic ticket at the World Relays, as they finished second in their heat with a time of 3:13.79.

The quartet of Samuel Ogazi, Ella Onojuvwevwo, Chidi Okezie and Esther Elo Joseph brought round the baton to ensure Nigeria is guaranteed a place at the Olympics, finishing second behind Team USA who won in a championship record of 3:11.52.

If there is one event with great promise for Nigeria, it is the Mixed 4x400m.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has congratulated Team Nigeria athletes for their impressive performances so far at the World Relays Championship in the Bahamas, as they secured qualification for the 4×400 mixed relays and 4×400 men’s relay event at the 2024 Olympics Games in Paris.

Speaking on the remarkable achievement, Senator Enoh stated, “I am immensely proud of our Team Nigeria athletes for their exceptional performance at the World Relays Championship, which has secured two qualification tickets for the Olympic Games already.

“Their dedication, determination and resilience have brought honor to our nation, and I congratulate them on this milestone.”

The Nigerian men’s 4x400m quartet of Dubem Nwachukwu, Dubem Amene, Sikiru Adeyemi, and Chidi Okezie showcased their prowess on the track, clocking a remarkable time of 3:01.70 to secure qualification for the Olympic Games.

The achievement marks the fastest time by a Nigerian male 4x400m team since the Bronze-winning team of James Godday, Musa Audu, Saul Weigopwa, and Enefiok Udo-Obong at the Athens 2004 Olympics.

In the mixed 4x400m relay event, Team Nigeria’s quartet of Samuel Ogazi, Ella Onojuvwevwo, Chidi Okezie, and Esther Elo Joseph delivered an impressive performance, finishing second in their heat with a time of 3:13.79. This outstanding performance secured their spot at the Olympics for the second consecutive time.

Enoh emphasised the importance of continued hard work and perseverance as Team Nigeria athletes aim for further Olympic qualification tickets in their remaining events. He expressed confidence in their abilities and encouraged them to strive for excellence as they represent Nigeria on the global stage.