Sports
Nigeria’s Mixed 4x400m team excited by African Record set at Olympics debut in Tokyo
Joel Ajayi
Although they would have been hoping to at least make the final of their event at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics, Nigeria’s Mixed 4x400m quartet comprising Emmanuel Ojeli, Imaobong Nse Uko, Samson Nathaniel and Patience Okon-George will leave the competition with their heads held high after storming to a new African Record of 3:13.60 to finish 5th in their semi final race.
Speaking after the race, Okon-George revealed that the squad is consoled by the African Record they set while competing at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo.
She said, “The last race we ran back in June was 3:14.09 and the 3:13.60 we ran today is good. We are happy with the new African Record. It was not easy running with 43second runners on the anchor leg. Now that we haven’t made it to the final, I’m just going to be focused and get ready for the 400m. I think I’m good to go”.
Teammate Emmanuel Ojeli also revelled in the fact that the quartet made history by becoming the first African team to qualify for and compete at the Olympics.
“We have been trying so hard to qualify in the 4x400m men and women so when we heard that the Mixed Relays was going to hold, we just needed to put ourselves together to qualify for the event. We are the first African team to qualify for the event at the Olympics and ran an African Record as well”, he said.
The quartet will now set their sights towards qualifying for next year’s World Championships in Oregon.
Sports
First Lady Tinubu Tees Off AACT 2026, Calls for African Women’s Unity
Joel Ajayi
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged participating African Ladies golfers to uphold sportsmanship, integrity, and African unity.
She spoke at the ceremonial tee-off of the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.
Tinubu noted that the championship’s theme, “Uniting Africa Through the Greens”, reflected golf’s ability to transcend national and cultural boundaries while promoting friendship, sisterhood and a shared African identity.
She urged the participating golfers to compete with passion and integrity, adding: “To our remarkable female golfers, you are an inspiration to women everywhere. Play with passion, compete with integrity and let sportsmanship guide every stroke.”
The First Lady welcomed foreign delegates and participants, encouraging them to explore Nigeria’s landmarks, culture and hospitality during their stay.
Senator Tinubu commended LGAN President and Chairperson, Local Organising Committee, 2026 AACT, Dr Lami Onayi Ahmed, the Association’s executive council, and local Organising Committee for their efforts in bringing the continental championship to Nigeria.
She also commended the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) for its initiative to introduce 300 girls to golf as part of AACT programmes.
Tinubu said the Girls in Golf initiative Legacy Project would create opportunities for young girls to participate in the sport and develop the next generation of female golfers.
“As a mother and advocate for women and girls, I commend the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria for the Girls in Golf Legacy Project, which will introduce 300 young girls to golf across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria and open new opportunities for the next generation,” she said.
She subsequently declared the championship open and performed the ceremonial tee-off.
Earlier, Lami Ahmed said hosting the championship for the third time was both an honour and a responsibility for Nigeria.
She said the tournament provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships among African countries through golf, despite differences in nationalities, languages and cultures.
“Though we compete under different flags, we remain united as one African family,” she said.
Ahmed described the Girls in Golf initiative Legacy Project as a major part of the association’s long-term commitment to growing the sport, saying it would expose 300 girls across the six geopolitical zones to the opportunities and values of golf.
She added that while the championship would produce winners, its lasting significance would lie in the friendships established, unity strengthened, and young girls inspired.
“As we begin this historic championship, let us remember the trophies will find their winners, but the friendships we build, the unity we strengthen and the young girls we inspire will remain our greatest victory,” she said.
Nigeria is hosting the continental women’s golf championship for the third time, bringing together female golfers from across 20 African countries to compete and promote the development of the sport.
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