On Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone, a Nigerian quartet etched their names into African athletics history. Chidera Ezeakor, Maria Thompson, James Taiwo Emmanuel, and Obi Jennifer Chukwuka stormed to victory in the mixed 4×100m relay with a blistering time of 41.44 seconds, establishing the first-ever African Record in this newly introduced event.
The performance not only secured gold for Team Nigeria but also strengthened their position on the road to the 2026 World Athletics Relays (also scheduled for Gaborone in May). The Nigerian team now sits 12th on the qualification list for the mixed 4×100m, keeping their dreams of representing Africa on the global stage very much alive.
Kenya claimed silver in a strong National Record time of 41.70 seconds, with a squad featuring sprint star Ferdinand Omanyala and anchored by Mercy Oketch. The close battle between the two powerhouses highlighted the growing depth of African sprint relay talent.
A Landmark Moment for a New Event
The mixed 4×100m relay —
featuring two men and two women in alternating order — is still a relatively fresh addition to the international calendar. Nigeria’s 41.44s performance sets the benchmark as the inaugural Continental Record, underscoring the country’s sprinting resurgence and strategic preparation for major championships.
This result comes as Nigeria continues its aggressive campaign for qualification spots at the upcoming World Relays. While the women’s 4×100m and 4×400m teams had already secured their berths, the mixed 4×100m squad used the Lefika platform to make a powerful statement.
Nigeria also impressed in the men’s 4×100m, reportedly running 38.98s to win gold ahead of Kenya’s 39.12s (with Omanyala in the lineup).
Building Momentum Toward Gaborone 2026
The Lefika International Relays served as one of the final high-stakes opportunities for nations to improve their World Relays qualification rankings. By setting an African Record and climbing the standings, Nigeria has boosted confidence ahead of the May showdown on home soil for the host nation Botswana.
Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) officials and fans have hailed the quartet’s composure and speed, especially in a mixed-gender format that demands seamless baton exchanges and tactical racing.
Chidera Ezeakor, Maria Thompson, James Taiwo Emmanuel, and Obi Jennifer Chukwuka delivered a dominant, record-breaking performance that will be remembered as a milestone for Nigerian and African sprinting.
As the countdown to the World Athletics Relays continues, expect more fireworks from the Nigerian relay teams. The green and white are flying high — and moving fast.