Nigeria’s relay teams are gearing up for a decisive campaign as they head to Gaborone, Botswana, for the Lefika International Relays the last qualifying opportunity ahead of the 2026 World Athletics Relays Championships.
Team Nigeria Set to Depart on March 25, 2026
The Nigerian contingent is scheduled to depart on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, aboard Ethiopian Airlines, with a brief stopover in Addis Ababa, before arriving in Gaborone on March 26. The team will compete on March 28 at the Lefika International Relays, which serves as the final qualifying leg for the prestigious World Relays, also hosted in Gaborone in May 2026.
Botswana submits bid to host 2026 World Athletics Relays – Athletics Africa
This competition offers Nigerian athletes a critical platform to secure qualification spots in key relay events and fine-tune their preparations on African soil.
Events Nigeria Will Contest at Lefika International Relays
Team Nigeria will field squads in four events: the men’s 4x100m, men’s 4x100m mixed, men’s 4x400m, and mixed 4x400m relays. The primary goal remains earning qualification for the World Relays Championships.
Notably, Nigeria’s women’s 4x100m and women’s 4x400m teams have already secured their places for the global event, allowing the men’s and mixed squads to focus fully on claiming the remaining slots.
👉 “WAR on the Track! 😳 Nigeria 🇳🇬 vs USA🇺🇸 Mixed 4x400m – Unforgettable Finish!”
Strong Leadership and Administrative Support
The delegation is led by top officials from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), including President Tonobok Okowa, Secretary General Isreal Inwang, and Technical Director Gabriel Okon. Full backing from the National Sports Commission (NSC) underscores the federation’s commitment to delivering a competitive performance in Botswana.
Experienced and Emerging Talent on the Roster
The squad blends youth and experience, with standout athletes expected to deliver key performances:
- Enaruna Anita Itohan
- Badmus Gafari Atanda
- Ezeakor Chidera
- Emmanuel James Taiwo
- Ojeli Ifeanyi Emmanuel
- George Patience Okon (noted as Patience Okon-George in prior events)
- Nathaniel Samson
- Adeyemi Sikiru Adewale
- Sampson Victor Ime
- Godwin Tejiri
- Andrew Jecinter Lawrence (Jecinter Lawrence)
- Chukwuka Obi Jennifer
- Omokwe Maria Thompson
These athletes have spent the past six weeks training intensively in Asaba, Delta State, with special emphasis on baton exchanges, handoffs, and race strategy.
Nigeria Eyes Strong Impact Ahead of Historic Home-Continent World Relays
With the World Athletics Relays making its African debut in Gaborone, Team Nigeria is motivated to make a significant statement. A solid showing at the Lefika International Relays will not only boost qualification chances but also build momentum for the May championships.
