Nigeria’s athletics team has taken a major leap on the global stage after delivering a record-breaking performance in the mixed 4×100m relay, and team member Maria Thompson believes the best is yet to come.
Competing at the Lefika International Relays in Gaborone, the Nigerian quartet produced a sensational run of 41.45 seconds — a time that not only secured victory but also set a new African record and significantly boosted their global standing.
The performance saw Nigeria climb from 21st to 12th in the world rankings, earning qualification for the 2026 World Relays Championships — a milestone that reflects the team’s rapid progress.
“This is only the beginning,” Thompson said, expressing confidence in the team’s potential to achieve even greater success.
For the athlete, the record-breaking run is not just a moment of celebration, but a foundation to build upon. She emphasized that while the result is encouraging, there is still work to be done.
“We can get better,” she suggested, highlighting the importance of refining technique, improving coordination, and maintaining consistency.
The mixed relay event, which requires seamless baton exchanges and strong team chemistry, showcased Nigeria’s growing depth in sprinting. The team’s ability to execute under pressure was a key factor in their success.
Thompson noted that the focus now shifts to preparation for the World Relays Championships, where the competition will be even more intense.
“We’ll go back to training,” she said, stressing the need to address areas of improvement and sharpen execution ahead of the global event.
For Nigerian athletics, the achievement is a significant boost, signaling a return to prominence in sprinting events.
It also highlights the effectiveness of teamwork and preparation, key elements that will be crucial as the team aims to compete against the world’s best.
As expectations grow, the challenge will be maintaining this momentum.
But if Thompson’s confidence is anything to go by, Nigeria is not just celebrating a record.
They are building toward something bigger.
