Team Nigeria delivered a series of determined and high-quality performances at the 2026 World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, underlining their growing strength on the global stage with multiple qualifications and standout moments.
In the women’s 4x100m repechage, the quartet of Chigozie Rosemary, Obi Jennifer Chukwuka, Maria Thompson, and Miracle Ezechukwu produced an impressive comeback after a difficult baton exchange in their earlier race. The team clocked 42.94 seconds to finish second in their heat, pushing eventual winners France to the line in a dramatic sprint finish. The French side edged victory by the narrowest of margins, crossing in 42.93 seconds.
Nigeria’s mixed 4x400m relay team, Samson Nathaniel, Taiwo Kudoro, Chidi Okezie, and Patience Okon-George also delivered a strong showing. Their Season’s Best time of 3:12.88 secured a second-place finish and, importantly, qualification for the 2027 World Championships in Beijing.
Further success came in the mixed 4x100m relay, where Nigeria placed sixth in the final to earn automatic qualification for the World Ultimate Challenge later this year in Budapest. Notably, Nigeria was the only African nation to secure automatic qualification in this event.
In total, Team Nigeria secured three qualification spots for the 2027 World Championships, along with one ticket to the Ultimate Challenge, highlighting a productive and encouraging outing.
Meanwhile, host nation Botswana thrilled home fans with a historic performance in the men’s 4x400m relay. The team of Lee Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, and Collen Kebinatshipi stormed to gold in a remarkable 2:54.47. In a fierce contest with South Africa, Botswana broke both the African and Championship records, delivering one of the defining moments of the competition and rising to become the second-fastest nation in history in the event.
Reacting to the performances, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, described the event as a proud outing for Nigeria and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to continued investment in athletes as they build toward greater global success.
