By our reporter 19.8.2025
Nigeria’s men 4x400m relay team at the CAA region 2 Championships needed an extra fast leg to run below three minutes and qualify for the World Championships in Tokyo Japan next month.
But running Tuesday morning at the University of Ghana sports complex Gafari Badmus led the team to a 3.05.22secs finish ahead of Ghana who returned a time of 3.06.34 secs.
The Nigeria team has run at least 2.56. 00 to overhaul Zambia in the top 16 qualifiers August 24 is the deadline.
“All we needed was a 44 runner, but we didn’t have the luxury of bringing Samuel Ogazi and Chidi Okezie here, we could have made that mark,” coach Tony Osheku.
“But our boys did their best, I’m sure if there is another opportunity for them to compete they can make an improvement”
In the women’s 4x400m Patience Okon George rediscovered her form, but it was not good enough to lead the Nigerian quartet into the qualification zone; they ran 3.33.83secs to best Ghana with a time of 3.46.63secs for the gold.
“Okon-George was remarkable in her lap, she posted a 51.1, unlike on Monday in the 400m flat. She wasn’t feeling too well in that race.
“But we are satisfied with their performance even as they couldn’t run what we desire.” Osheku added.
The 4x100m teams on Monday despite dominating the event, also did not hit the World Championships qualifying mark.
