Quarter-miler Abiola Onokoya disclosed that the taunting they received from Nigerian athletics officials and fans spurred them to running 3.02. 39 to set a championship record at the just concluded African Championships in Port Novo, Benin Republic .

Members of the Nigerian 4x400m quartet shocked even themselves, when they put up a commanding performance in the last day of the African Championships to cement Nigerian’s lead at the top of the medals table. However, they failed to achieve their main aim of qualifying for the London 2012 Olympics.

“We came to a resolution that we must have to put things right,” said Onokoya.

“This was after the men team was put through so much ridicule. The abuses put more pressure on us, even the Athletics Federation of Nigeria president told us that we shouldn’t sleep on the blocks just like the men 4x100m did.”

Onokoya said that he  was sad that despite all their efforts they were unable to secure an Olympic spot after Poland clinched the last spot.

“Next year  we will work hard in training and improve on our performance,” added the athlete.