A groundbreaking moment in African athletics unfolded in Lagos on April 11, 2025, as Nigeria became the first country on the continent to host an Olympics-approved mixed relay event.
At the vibrant Yabatech Sports Complex, spectators witnessed history on Day 3 of the MTN Champs Season 3 Continental Relays, where the mixed 4x100m and 4x400m relays were officially introduced in African competition. This progressive and inclusive race format features baton exchanges across genders—starting with two female athletes followed by two male teammates.
This innovation marks a major leap forward for athletics in Nigeria and across Africa.
A Historic First for African Athletics
The highlight of the day was the introduction of the mixed 4x100m relay, a format already embraced by the International Olympic Committee but making its African debut at the MTN Champs. The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, emphasized the moment’s importance, stating:
“We are all in the midst of history. It will be written in books that the very first mixed 100m relay was held in Nigeria—right here at the MTN Champs.”
Seven dynamic teams participated in this landmark race: Team Continental, Team Benin, OAU Spartans, Zabranto Athletics, and D’Victors A and B. In a thrilling 4x100m contest, Team Continental claimed gold, clocking 42.91 seconds, followed by Zabranto Athletics (44.69s) and D’Victors A (44.88s).
Favor Ashe Anchors Victory with a 30-Meter Lead
The standout performer of the event was none other than Favour Ashe, known in local and international circles as “The Nigerian Nightmare”. He closed out the final leg for Team Continental, storming ahead with a commanding 30-metre lead to secure the win. Alongside Ashe, the gold-winning team featured Iyanuoluwa Bada (first leg), Janet Adesiyan (second leg), and Chidera Ezeakor (third leg).
Speaking after the race, Ashe reflected on the experience:
“I’m excited that this was the first time doing this in Nigeria. With what I saw today, and with our best guys out there, I think we can expect Team Nigeria to bring home a medal at the World Relays.”
The Relay Project: Nigeria’s New Path to Podium Success
Beyond the day’s events, Hon. Olopade announced “The Relay Project”, a four-year initiative designed to prepare Nigeria’s relay teams for international podium finishes—targeting the Commonwealth Games, All-Africa Games, and the 2028 Olympics.
The initiative is being spearheaded by Bambo Akani, founder and CEO of Making of Champions (MoC), who also serves as the Managing Director of The Relay Project. MoC is the technical partner behind the successful MTN Champs series.
Olopade also highlighted the ongoing support for athletes under the new NSC administration:
“The president has directed us to create a sports ecosystem that is economy-based—one that creates wealth for athletes. That’s why we launched the athlete grant. It’s not automatic—you have to work for it—but it’s a game-changer.”
He encouraged young stars from the mixed relays to take advantage of this grant opportunity as part of their growth in professional athletics.
MTN Nigeria’s Vision for Grassroots Sports Development
MTN Champs, now in its third season, stands as Nigeria’s largest grassroots athletics programme, aiming to discover and develop the next generation of Olympians.
Ayham Moussa, Chief Operating Officer of MTN Nigeria, reaffirmed the company’s deep commitment to youth and sports development:
“At MTN, we are heavily invested in football and athletics because we believe in the power of sports as a catalyst for development.”
The Lagos leg of the Continental Relays wraps up on April 12, with medals awarded to top-performing athletes. But the excitement doesn’t stop there—the competition moves next to Uyo, where Season 3 will climax from April 30 to May 3 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
What happened in Yabatech wasn’t just another race—it was a defining moment in African sports history. From pioneering the mixed relay format to empowering the next generation of track stars, Nigeria is not only participating in global athletics—it’s leading the charge.
