“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a step” These were the words of one of Nigeria’s finest quarter-milers, Patience Okon-George, who anchored Team Nigeria’s 4x400m squad to continental victory in Accra, the Ghanaian capital.
Okon-George led a young Nigerian quartet to international glory, stressing that execution was all that mattered.
“4x400m mixed has always been for Nigeria. Yesterday it was all about execution, right from the first leg to the end, just the way we planned it. It was great,” she said.
The quartet of Ezekiel Asuquo, Toheebat Jimoh, Victor Imeh and Patience Okon-George combined brilliantly to overpower the opposition.
Asuquo kept Nigeria in contention on the opening leg, while Jimoh electrified the race by surging from third place into the lead.
Imeh preserved the advantage before Okon-George delivered a composed anchor leg to secure victory and spark celebrations among fellow athletes and Team Nigeria officials.
The experienced athlete also urged the younger members of the team to remain focused, saying that only then could they achieve true success.
“To the young ones in the team, my advice to them as a very experienced athlete is to stay focused. Everyone should focus on their goal. They may not get it today, but the sky is their limit,” she said.
Looking ahead, Okon-George said her next target is the highly anticipated Commonwealth Games.
She assured Nigerians that she is determined to shine in Glasgow and fly the nation’s flag proudly.
“Ahead of the Commonwealth Games, I’m trying to build my race because I know that God has been so faithful to me, making me run my very best. I believe this year will be very good for me, and with God, everything is possible,” she said.
