- One major reason why the men’s relay team were disqualified despite initial qualification
- Nigerians clamour for an appeal after the decision has been made
- Netizens lament over disqualification
Team Nigeria’s 4x400m men’s relay team at the Paris 2024 Olympics missed out on a place in the final after South Africa took their spot, lowering Nigeria’s chances of winning a medal. This news follows the performance of Emmanuel Ojeli, Ezekiel Nathaniel, Dubem Amene, and Chidi Okezie, who finished second in heat 2 with a Season’s Best time of 2 minutes 59.81 seconds. France won the race with a time of 2 minutes 59.53 seconds, while Belgium took third place with a time of 2 minutes 59.84 seconds, securing the last automatic spot.
Critical mistake that disqualified Nigeria’s men’s relay team
Nigerians were excited when Emmanuel Ojeli, Ezekiel Nathaniel, Dubem Amene, and Chidi Okezie finished their heat with a season’s best time of 2:59.81, in fact, congratulatory messages and tweets were blowing up on social media.
Unfortunately, Nigeria’s 4x400m men’s relay team have now lost their chance to compete in the final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, reducing the country’s hopes for a medal. Nigerians were very eager to know what the reason for the disqualification was.
The Nigerian relay team was disqualified for violating World Athletics’ competition rule 17.2.3, which states that each athlete must stay within their allocated lane from start to finish and not step or run on or inside the left-hand lane line or kerb when running on a bend. the team was disqualified because one of the Nigerian runners not only crossed into another lane but also caused a South African runner to trip off. One can of course tell how sad the Nigerian athletes will be at the moment.
Many Nigerians, however, want the country’s sports officials to appeal the decision.
Netizens lament over disqualification
Nigerians didn’t hold back in lashing the leaders of the country for mismanagement of funds and inefficiency of sports staff at the Olympics.
Below are some of the reactions.
“Even Jesus no fit save this country,” @AceGabbana13 commented.
“Something is fundamentally wrong with the country called Nigeria,” @HopeRemy stated.
“Which kind badluck be this now? After all the sacrifices? This is frustrating man. Kaii!!,” @TadyJerry lamented.
“Cursed country. Out of 365 days, you encounter bad things in 300, @DavymartinCE0
Nahhh, this country can't just work 🤦🏿♂️,” @Michael_Mayaki declared.
“Team Nigeria to the Paris Olympics should all come back home. We've had enough of this fiasco at the Olympics. Team Nigeria is a reflection of the current dysfunctional state of 9ja where nothing is working and the team can't possibly exist in isolation from the reality of 9ja,” @Kayode714 commented.
“It's just been one of those Olympics where everything that can go wrong has gone wrong. Three finalists in long jump and no medal. Now a DQ for stepping on the line.Tobi too just ran a very poor race in her semi finals and might not qualify for the final. When it rains it pours,” @adeoluakin stated.
Evidently, Nigerians once again poured out economic frustrations in response to the athlete's ability to perform well at the Olympic Games.
Paris Olympics 2024: Why Amusan failed to progress to final round
Previously, TheRadar reported that World record holder and former world champion Tobi Amusan was knocked out of the women’s 100m hurdles at the Olympics on Friday, 9th August, while defending champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn advanced to the final.
Amusan made headlines in 2022 by setting a world record of 12.12 seconds at the World Championships in Eugene, where she won the gold medal. However, she has failed to replicate her outstanding success at this year’s Olympic event.
