By OLANREWAJU AKOJEDE

Team Nigeria has taken a major step towards qualifying for the World Relays in Gaborone, Botswana, after a record-breaking mixed relay performance.

The National Sports Commission, in a statement on Sunday by Kola Daniel, media adviser to Director-General Bukola Olopade, praised the team’s remarkable achievement.

Nigeria delivered a spirited performance, setting a new African record in the mixed 4x100m relay and strengthening qualification hopes for the World Relays in Gaborone, Botswana.

The quartet of Chidera Ezeakor, Maria Thompson, James Taiwo Emmanuel, and Obi Chukwuma stormed to victory at the Lefika International Relays.

They produced an outstanding time of 41.44 seconds, securing gold in emphatic fashion and setting a new African benchmark in the event.

Competing in the newly introduced mixed 4x100m relay, Team Nigeria claimed gold and became the first African record holders in the event.

The Sports Commission noted the result significantly improved Nigeria’s qualification ranking, moving the team into 12th position and strengthening contention for the global competition.

Kenya finished second with a strong showing, recording a national record time of 41.70 seconds. (NAN)