Senior African Athletics Championship: James Emmanuel hails team chemistry after 4x100m silver finish

By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye in Accra

James Emmanuel has described Team Nigeria’s second place finish in the men’s 4x100m relay at the Senior Africa Athletics Championship as the result of friendship and the bond within the squad.

Emmanuel who made his debut on the continental scene was impressed by the results. He expressed his happiness in having something to show for the team’s effort.

Team Nigeria finished second in the fiercely contested Final with a time of 38.70 behind Côte d’Ivoire’s 38.52.

In an interview shortly after the medal presentation, Emmanuel described the result as encouraging.

He admitted there was still room for improvement ahead of future competitions.

“It was a good race, and we are happy that we left here with something,” he said.

The Nigerian sprinter credited the bond within the relay quartet for the strong showing, noting that despite training separately in different locations, the athletes were able to combine effectively when it mattered most.

He emphasized that the chemistry among the runners made the difference, helping the team to perform as a unit on the track.

“Even though we all train in different places, when we come together it feels like we have been training together for a long time,” he said, adding that there is a strong sense of friendship and understanding within the group.

Looking ahead, Emmanuel said the season is still in its early stages and stressed that Team Nigeria has bigger goals on the horizon, especially the Commonwealth Games.

“The year is still young. There are a lot of events on schedule, and the biggest of them is the Commonwealth Games,” he said. “Our goal is to come back with a stronger time and a better position.”