Nigeria will feature on the final day of the IAAF World Championships after its 4x400m women’s relay team made it into the final.

With three of her quarter milers all making it into the semifinals of the individual 400m event, it was expected that the team should have the quality to rub shoulders with the Americans and Jamaicans who have been dominant in the relays over the years.

Patience Okon-George who ran the first leg, hands the baton to Glory Nathaniel. Photo Credit: Making of Champions/PaV Media

Running in Lane 2 in the second heat, the quartet of Patience Okon-George, Glory Nathaniel, Emerald Egwim and Yinka Ajayi ran with so much vigour to storm to a Season’s Best (SB) of 3:25.40 as they finished 2nd. The Jamaican Team crossed the line first, also running an SB of 3.23.64.

The team had the 4th overall fastest time behind the Americans, Jamaicans and Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Emerald Egwim made her first outing for Nigeria at the London 2017 World Championships. Photo Credit: Making of Champions/PaV Media

It was Egwim’s first ever outing for Nigeria, and she will be hoping for a memorable outcome ahead of the final.

Nathaniel, who runs the 400m Hurdles, had to join the team, with Margaret Bamgbose reported to have suffered an injury.

Also, one of Nigeria’s representative in the 4x400m women, Abike Egbeniyi who had visa issues, departed the shores of the country Friday night for London, venue of the 2017 IAAF World Championships.

Hurdler Glory Nathaniel had to be drafted into the team to replace Margaret Bamgbose who is injured. Photo Credit: Making of Champions/PaV Media

Egbeniyi was issued her visa late on Friday, with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) booking her on the next available flight to arrive on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s 4x100m women’s relay team failed to show up when the heats took place earlier in the day.

The final of the 4x400m comes up on Sunday, August 13th.

Yinka Ajayi brought the baton home in 2nd position. Photo Credit: Making of Champions/PaV Media

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Deji is one of the leading Athletics journalists in Nigeria as he possesses a deep passion for PR and branding athletes. He has extensively covered a wide range of sporting competitions, both within and outside Nigeria, with a particular focus on showcasing African Sports Stories. In addition to his journalistic prowess, he is well-versed in Sports Management and Marketing.

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