Nigeria will make a final push for qualification to the World Relays when its athletes compete at the Lefika International Relays in Gaborone, Botswana, on March 28, 2026.
The team is scheduled to depart on March 25 aboard Ethiopian Airlines, with a stopover in Addis Ababa before arriving in Gaborone on March 26 for the crucial meet, which serves as the last qualification window ahead of the global event in May.
Team Nigeria will contest four events at the competition, the men’s 4x100m, mixed 4x100m, men’s 4x400m, and mixed 4x400m relays with the primary objective of securing the remaining qualification slots for the World Relays, also set to take place in Gaborone.
Notably, Nigeria’s women’s 4x100m and 4x400m relay teams have already booked their spots for the global championship, leaving the men’s and mixed teams to fight for qualification.
The Nigerian delegation will be led by top officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), including President Tonobok Okowa, Secretary General Isreal Inwang, and Technical Director Gabriel Okon.
The squad features a mix of emerging and experienced athletes such as Enaruna Anita Itohan, Badmus Gafari Atanda, Ezeakor Chidera, Emmanuel James Taiwo, Ojeli Ifeanyi Emmanuel, and George Patience Okon. Others listed for the competition include Nathaniel Samson, Adeyemi Sikiru Adewale, Sampson Victor Ime, Godwin Tejiri, Andrew Jecinter Lawrence, Chukwuka Obi Jennifer, and Omokwe Maria Thompson.
Preparations for the event have been ongoing over the past six weeks in Asaba, Delta State, where the team has focused on fine-tuning baton exchanges and overall race strategy.
With a well-balanced squad and backing from the National Sports Commission and the AFN, Nigeria will be aiming for strong performances in Botswana as they look to secure their place at the World Relays Championships.
