The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has made a late change to its World Athletics Relays plans, opting against using the Battle on the Bayou meet in the United States as a qualification route and instead turning full attention to events in Botswana.
Earlier plans had pointed to the Baton Rouge meet at the LSU Bernie Moore Stadium on April 3 to 4 as a key opportunity for Nigeria to secure relay spots, especially with several collegiate athletes based in the United States set to compete.
However, AFN president Tonobok Okowa confirmed the shift in approach, ruling out an official federation-backed attempt at the event.
“No, we are not attempting to qualify for relays in Baton Rougue anymore,” Okowa exclusively revealed to the PUNCH Sports Extra.
Despite that decision, a number of Nigerian athletes will still feature individually in Baton Rouge. Sprinters Rosemary Chukwuma, Tima Godbless and Success Umukoro are set for the 100m, while Ella Onojuvwevwo will compete in the 400m.
Precious Nzeakor is entered in both the 100m and 200m, Favour Onyah will run the 200m and 400m, and John Caleb, Joshua Caleb and Fakorede Adekalu are also listed for sprint events. Charles Godfred is scheduled to compete in the 100m and long jump.
While the athletes could still combine independently to chase relay qualification times, such efforts will not be coordinated by the federation.
Nigeria’s main push will now centre on Gaborone, where the team will remain after the Lefika International Relays to compete at the Botswana National Trials from April 3 to 5. The aim is to use the extended qualification window to secure the remaining relay slots ahead of the deadline.
The National Sports Commission backed the decision, confirming that Nigeria has already qualified in three of the six relay events and will use the Botswana meet as a final opportunity to strengthen its chances.
“To maximise this window, the Commission has approved the Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s request for additional participation at the Botswana National Trials, allowing remaining squads another opportunity to qualify,” the commission said.
In a bid to boost the women’s 4x100m team, rising sprint talent Miracle Ezechukwu has been drafted into the squad in Botswana, with hopes she can improve their chances of meeting the qualification mark before the April 5 deadline.
Nigeria’s men’s 4x100m, women’s 4x100m and mixed 4x400m teams all fell short at the Lefika International Relays, but there is renewed belief that the final races in Botswana could still secure qualification for the World Athletics Relays.
