AFN Explains Why Akintola Was Dropped

The 18th World Athletics Championships began yesterday at the Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, USA, with Nigeria’s 4x400m mixed relay team grabbing a final ticket in first event of the day.

The team, which made its debut at the Tokyo Olympics last year, and exited in the first round, placed fifth in their race yesterday in 3mins,14 seconds, but advanced to the final after the second heat produced a poor result.

Sandwiched between the reigning Olympic champion, Poland, in lane two and USA in lane four, Team Nigeria began well with Nathaniel Samson running a good race in the first leg. He handed the baton over to Patience Okon-George, who handed to Dubem Amene. Then, Nigeria was fourth, but Amene was able to cut into the third position before handing the baton to Imaobong Nse Uko, who ran a rather slow time to anchor at 3mins, 14seconds (fifth position) in the race won by USA. The Netherland was second, Poland third and Italy finished fourth. Team Great Britain finished sixth.

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