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Watch the surreal moment West African athletes united in celebration at the World Relays after qualifying for the Paris Olympic Games.
In arguably the highlight of the World Relays, the Nigerian, Ghanaian, and Liberian 4x100m squads were captured in wild celebrations after punching their tickets to the Paris Olympic Games.
The Nigerian women's 4x100m quartet of Tianna Eyakpobeyan, Favour Ofili, Olayinka Olajide, and Tima Godbless started qualifications for the African countries after winning their Olympic Round 2 heat in a Season's Best (SB) of 42.71s, thus edging Switzerland to second place.
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Thereafter, the Ghanaian and Nigerian men's teams rekindled their rivalry after being placed in the same heat as Joseph Paul Amoah anchored his country and teammates (Ibrahim Fuseni, Isaac Botsio, and Benjamin Azamati) to a convincing win in an SB of 38.29s.
Nigerian quartet of Udodi Onwuzurike, Consider Ekanem, Alaba Akintola, and Karlington Anunangba sealed the last qualifying spot in 38.57s.
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Meanwhile, Joseph Fahnbulleh did the unthinkable as the anchor leg of Liberia in his heat, taking his squad (Akeem Sirleaf, Emmanuel Matadi, and Jabex Reeves) from fifth position to a National Record (NR) of 38.65s for his country's first-ever Olympic qualification in the event.
After their races, all teams joined in wild celebrations in the mixed zone, showing the African spirit of togetherness on rare occasions like the World Relays.
Their celebratory mood caught the attention of not just fans and journalists at the stadium but has got several track legends and enthusiasts reacting on how much the sport needs such rare moments no matter the rivalry.
Here are some reactions below.
African countries dominated the final day of the World Relays as most of their teams secured Paris Olympic qualifications, while Botswana won the men's 4x400m final.
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