Mixed Relay Event Makes Exciting Debut at MTN Champs

Posted : 13 April 2025

For the first time in African athletics history, a mixed relay event—recently approved by the International Olympic Committee (IOC)—was held at a major sports competition. This innovative relay format made its official debut at the MTN Champs Season 3 Continental Relays on April 11, 2025, marking a groundbreaking moment for the sport across the continent.

The event took place at the Yabatech Sports Complex in Lagos, just two days after the IOC confirmed its approval of the 4x100m mixed relays, which had first appeared as a trial during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Interestingly, MTN Champs had already integrated the event into its program, anticipating its formal adoption and setting the pace for its expected feature at Nigeria’s National Sports Festival.

Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Competition (NSC), described the moment as historic. “This will go down in history books—the first-ever 4x100m mixed relay took place in Nigeria, right here at the MTN Champs,” he declared, celebrating Nigeria's pioneering role in advancing the evolution of athletics.

The new format mandates a female-to-female baton exchange for the first two legs, followed by two male runners completing the third and final legs. The mixed relays featured both 100m and 400m distances. Teams participating included Team Continental, Team Benin, OAU Spartans, Zabranto Athletics, and D’Victors A & B. Team Continental triumphed in the 4x100m mixed relay, finishing in 42.91 seconds. Zabranto Athletics came second with 44.69 seconds, while D’Victors A clinched third with 44.88 seconds.

Key performers in the race included Favor Ashe, also known as “The Nigerian Nightmare,” who anchored the final leg and widened the gap with an explosive finish. He was joined by Iyanuoluwa Bada, Janet Adesiyan, and Chidera Ezeakor, who ran the first, second, and third legs respectively, displaying impressive teamwork and coordination.

Reflecting on the race, Ashe expressed pride in being part of history. “It feels great to be involved in Nigeria’s first mixed relay. With our top athletes, I believe Team Nigeria has the potential to bring home a medal in the upcoming World Relays,” he stated, referencing the international competition scheduled for next month.

Looking ahead, Olopade highlighted a new vision for Nigerian sports under the NSC. “The president has mandated us to establish a sustainable sports economy. That’s why we introduced the athlete grant program,” he explained, encouraging emerging stars to sign up. He also unveiled ‘The Relay Project,’ a four-year strategy aimed at boosting Nigeria’s global standing in relays, particularly at events like the Commonwealth Games and 2028 Olympics. The initiative will be led by Bambo Akani, CEO of Making of Champions (MoC), which is also MTN Champs’ technical partner.

MTN Champs, Nigeria’s biggest athletics platform, continues to serve as a launchpad for future Olympians. Ayham Moussa, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Operating Officer, reiterated the brand’s commitment to nurturing local talent, stating, “We believe in the power of sports to drive growth and development.” The Lagos leg of the MTN Champs concluded on April 12, and the event now moves to Uyo for its grand finale from April 30 to May 3 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

Mixed Relay Event Makes Exciting Debut at MTN Champs

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