The Nigerian team of Emmanuel Ojeli, Patience Okon-George, Sikiru Adeyemi, and Omolara Ogunmakinju set a new area record of 3:13.26 in the mixed 4x400m relay event at the African Games Accra 2023.
The Nigerian quartet improved on their previous African record of 3:13.60 set at the Tokyo Olympic Games on 30 July, 2021.
Ojeli led the way for Nigeria before passing the baton to Okon-George, who held off the challenge of Botswana’s Lydia Jele. Adeyemi received the baton in first place, but Botswana’s Bayapo Ndori overtook him to establish an almost 30-metre lead for Botswana on the final leg.
As the Botswana anchor leg Kamberuka Obakeng began to tire on the home straight, Nigeria’s Ogunmakinju (nee Omotosho) overtook her, closing the gap to take the gold medal.
Botswana finished with a national record of 3:13.99, while the Kenyan team anchored by world 800m champion Mary Moraa finished third in 3:18.03. South Africa settled for fourth place in 3:18.54.
World University Games champion Rose Yeboah sent the home crowd at the University of Ghana stadium into frenzy after clearing a height of 1.94m to take the women’s high jump gold medal.
Nigeria’s Ruth Usoro claimed gold in the women’s triple jump with a best mark of 13.80m on her debut appearance at the African Games.
Three-time African champion Victor Hogan from South Africa won the men’s discus title with a best throw of 62.56m.