World Relays: Netherlands Leapfrog Nigeria In Race To Tokyo

World Relays: Netherlands Leapfrog Nigeria In Race To Tokyo

Sampson Adedeji

Nigeria's chances of securing spots in both the men’s and women’s 4x100m relays at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo suffered a significant setback over the weekend as the Netherlands overtook them in the qualification standings, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Before this development, both countries were tied in 15th place with identical times of 38.20 seconds a mark that provisionally secured one of the final two time-based qualification slots.

However, at the European Team Championships in Madrid, the Dutch men’s team delivered a blistering performance, clocking 37.87 seconds to set a new national record, championships record, and European lead.

Their flawless baton exchanges propelled them to victory ahead of Germany (38.27s) and Great Britain (38.33s), pushing Nigeria down to 16th the last qualifying spot.

The Dutch quartet, consisting of Nsikak Ekpo, Taymir Burnet, Xavi Mo-Ajok, and Elvis Afrifa, not only strengthened their hold on one of the two time-based slots but also reinforced their reputation as one of Europe’s sprinting powerhouses.

With only 16 teams qualifying for the relay events in Tokyo 14 via the World Relays in Guangzhou and two others based on the top performance list by August 27 Nigeria’s position is now under threat.

Currently clinging to the final qualification spot, Nigeria faces pressure from nations such as Brazil (38.40s), Jamaica (38.45s), and Trinidad & Tobago (38.46s), all capable of bettering their times in upcoming competitions.

The outlook is even more concerning for Nigeria’s women’s 4x100m team, who sit 17th on the qualification list with a season’s best of 42.70 seconds.

Australia (42.48s) and Ivory Coast (42.63s) currently occupy the last two time-based qualifying positions.

With the qualification window closing on August 24, Nigeria has limited opportunities to improve its rankings.

Upcoming events that could prove decisive include the Nigerian Championships (July 31–August 2), the Togo Championships (August 9), the CAA Region II Championships in Ghana (August 15–16), and the Ghanaian Championships (August 21–22).