The 8th edition of the World Athletics Relays gets underway today at the National Stadium in Gaborone, Botswana, with 743 athletes from 40 countries set to compete.
Team Nigeria faces an immediate and formidable challenge as they go up against some of the world’s strongest relay nations, with qualification spots for major global championships at stake.
Mixed 4x400m: Early Litmus Test
Nigeria will be in action early in the mixed 4x400m heats, scheduled for the afternoon session on Day One.
Drawn in a highly competitive heat alongside the Netherlands, Jamaica, Poland, China, Japan, and Canada, Nigeria must deliver a near-flawless performance to progress. Only the top two teams in each heat, plus the two fastest non-automatic qualifiers, will advance to the final and secure qualification for the 2027 World Championships.
The Netherlands enter as one of the favourites, boasting a personal best of 3:07.43 set at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, one of the fastest times ever recorded. Poland (3:09.43) and Jamaica (3:11.06) further underline the depth of competition.
Nigeria, with a personal best of 3:11.99 and a season’s best of 3:16.13, will rely on a blend of experience and emerging talent.
Key athletes expected to feature include Chidi Okezie, alongside Ezekiel Asuquo, Gafari Badmus, Victor Ime, Samson Nathaniel, and Emmanuel Ojeli in the men’s lineup.
On the women’s side, Patience Okon-George leads a youthful group that includes Anita Enaruna, Toheebat Jimoh, Taiwo Kudoro, Jecinta Lawrence, and Esther Okon.
Men’s 4x100m: Another Stern Challenge
Nigeria’s men’s 4x100m team will also face a tough test in the heats.
Led by Enoch Adegoke and Favour Ashe, Nigeria has been drawn in Heat Three alongside India, Poland, Brazil, China, South Africa, Ghana, and Great Britain & Northern Ireland.
Based on entry times, Great Britain leads the field (37.36s), followed by South Africa (37.57s) and Brazil (37.72s), while Nigeria’s best of 37.94s keeps them firmly in contention.
The Nigerian quartet is expected to include Adegoke and Ashe, supported by James Emmanuel, Chidera Ezeakor, and Tejire Godwin. To progress, they must finish in the top two or secure one of the fastest qualifying times.
Adegoke, an Olympic finalist with a personal best of 9.98s, brings valuable experience, while Ashe (9.94s) adds explosive speed. Ezeakor, the reigning national champion, further strengthens the squad after his impressive 10.15s run this season.
Defending champions South Africa headline the field, with Brazil, China, Ghana, and Poland also posing serious threats.
Focus on Performance
Meanwhile, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, has urged Team Nigeria to compete with pride and determination.
Addressing the athletes after their final training session, Olopade emphasized the importance of the competition:
Athletics have always been one of the most productive sports for our country in terms of empowerment and capacity building.”
He also highlighted the significance of relay events to Nigeria’s sporting identity:
The relays are a big deal because Nigeria always looks forward to them at major competitions. This is not just about participation, it is also a qualifier for the World Championships.”
High Stakes for Nigeria
Nigeria is competing in all six relay events at this year’s championship and will be aiming to improve on its modest historical record, two medals, including bronze in 2014 and gold in 2015.
With qualification slots for the 2027 World Championships and the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship on the line, the stakes are high.
Team Nigeria must navigate a series of highly competitive heats to keep their relay hopes alive on the global stage.
