Nigeria could not compete for a medal at the first-ever World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, Hungary, on Friday. Visa issues stopped three members of their mixed 4x100m relay team from traveling.
The mixed 4x100m relay was the first medal event at the championship. Sadly, Nigeria did not line up because Miracle Ezechukwu, Favour Ashe, and Rosemary Nwankwo stayed back in Nigeria due to visa problems.
A source from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria told our reporter on Thursday that at least one athlete still did not have a visa. This raised concerns about Nigeria's participation in the event.
The mixed 4x100m relay is making its first appearance at the global senior track and field championship. It was included at the World Relays earlier this year, and each team competes in their national kits.
Six teams qualified automatically for the Budapest event after reaching the final of the mixed 4x100m relay at the World Relays in May. These teams were Canada, Germany, Jamaica, Nigeria, Spain, and the United States.
This relay is the only event at the Ultimate Championship with a country limit. Only one team from each country can compete. There are no such limits for individual events, unlike in regular global championships.
Nigeria earned their spot by finishing in 42.03 seconds at the World Relays final, placing them among the top six teams. Favour Ashe, Jennifer Chukwuka-Obi, Maria Thompson, and the reigning National Sports Festival champion Chidera Ezeakor made this happen.
Even though they qualified on the track, Nigeria's chance to compete for the first mixed 4x100m medal was lost due to visa issues.
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