Okagbare leads Nigerian team to win 4x200m gold at World Relays, sets new national record

The Nigerian 4x200metres relay team at the weekend made history as they won the gold at the ongoing IAAF/BTC World Relays in Bahamas.
The victory was achieved by the quartet of Blessing Okagbare, Regina George, Dominique Duncan and Christy Udoh, who also set a new national record of 1:30.52 seconds.
It was a race where the Allyson Felix-led USA and a Jamaican team comprising the likes of Veronica Campbell-Brown were favoured to carry the first two positions, but Nigeria upset the favourites.
Blessing Okagbare took the first leg which set Nigeria off to a perfect start. Okagbare handed baton to Regina George who closed the gap on the Bahamians in Lane 5. George safely handed the baton Duncan Dominique, who ran a solid third leg before giving the baton to Christy Udoh, who ran the anchor leg. Udoh was able to hold off the approaching Bahamians at the end, who were later disqualified, leaving Sherone Simpson to bring Jamaica home in second place at 1:31.73seconds. Germany finished in 3rd place at 1:33.61seconds.
The Team USA did not finish the race, as Jeneba Tarmoh and Alysson Felix collided on their final changeover.
Speaking on the victory at the World Relays, Okagbare said on her facebook page that: “For the first time, we the athletes made some decisions as a team to choose who can deliver and deserves to run this race and yes, we did it. Sometimes it’s not about what they want but, our feelings and opinions should be taken into consideration. I am really thankful to God everything worked out to the glory of His name because, we weren’t the best team out there but we came to win regardless. Congratulations ladies..
With this gold medal at the 2015 World Relays, Team Nigeria has already surpassed its performance at the first edition last year, where the team won a bronze medal in the women’s 4x400m.