Team Nigeria faces a stern test as the 8th World Athletics Relays Championship opens today at the National Stadium in Gaborone, Botswana, with qualification slots for the 2027 World Championships at stake.
Nigeria, one of the few nations competing in all six relay events, has been drawn against sprint powerhouses including the Netherlands, Jamaica, Canada, and the United States in the heats. Only 16 teams will qualify for each relay event in Tokyo 2027, 14 through the World Relays and two via top performance lists.
The men’s 4x100m squad of Enoch Adegoke, Favour Ashe, James Emmanuel, Chidera Ezeakor, and Tejire Godwin will lean on Adegoke’s Olympic final experience and Ashe’s 9.94s speed. Nigeria currently ranks 16th in the men’s 4x100m and 17th in the women’s category, leaving little margin for error.
President Bola Tinubu, through National Sports Commission DG Bukola Olopade, had urged the athletes to rise to the occasion after their final training session on Friday.
“I want to appeal to you athletes to do this for yourselves, for the country, for your various states, and above all, do this for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The president’s words are always very clear: do well and come back to a grateful nation,” Olopade said.
Olopade stressed the stakes: “The relays are a big deal because Nigeria at every major multi-sport competition always looks forward to the relays. As you know this is not just about this relay because it is a qualifier for the World Championship”.
Team Nigeria intensified preparations in Gaborone with sessions focused on baton exchanges, speed endurance, and race coordination. Officials expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness.
However, the campaign has been hit by setbacks. US-based sprinters Rosemary Chukwuma and Blessing Ogundiran are doubtful due to passport delays and pending SRY gene test results required for eligibility.
Nigeria has won only two medals in World Relays history bronze in 2014 and gold in 2015. With 743 athletes from 40 countries competing, the mission is to improve that record and secure qualification for Beijing 2027 and the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship.
—
*Alternative angle — Government/Accountability Focus:*
TINUBU RALLIES TEAM NIGERIA AS WORLD RELAYS START AMID HIGH STAKES
By Jeremiah Ojo
President Bola Tinubu has charged Team Nigeria to deliver at the World Athletics Relays opening today in Gaborone, calling the event critical for national pride and future qualification.
Delivering Tinubu’s message, NSC DG Bukola Olopade told athletes: “Do this for yourselves, for the country, for your various states, and above all, do this for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Do well and come back to a grateful nation”.
Olopade described athletics as “one of the most productive sports for our country in terms of empowerment and capacity building”, noting that relay results are always keenly anticipated at major competitions.
Nigeria will compete in all six events but faces tough heats against the Netherlands, Jamaica, and the United States. The championship serves as a qualifier for the 2027 World Championships, with only 14 teams per event advancing directly.
The government’s backing comes amid logistical challenges, including the potential absence of key US-based athletes due to travel and testing issues.
