RismadarVoice Reporters, May 6, 2026
Team Nigeria delivered a standout performance at the World Relays in Gaborone, securing three qualification slots for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing the highest tally by any African nation at the event.
In a fiercely competitive championship that saw 72 teams clinch places for the global showpiece, Nigeria’s relay squads impressed with disciplined baton exchanges, strong acceleration phases and composure under pressure.
According to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), the result reflects a blend of youth and experience, with several home-based athletes playing key roles in the successful campaign.
The performance ensured Nigeria’s continued presence among the world’s elite relay nations, despite tight margins that tested the team’s depth and execution across multiple events.
AFN President, Tonobok Okowa, praised the team’s effort while expressing optimism about future competitions, noting that the squad remains a work in progress ahead of major international championships.
He said the inclusion of additional top-tier athletes not present in Gaborone is expected to further strengthen the team in upcoming events.
Nigeria’s athletics calendar remains packed, with the team set to compete at the CAA Senior Championships in Accra, the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, and preparations underway for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Stakeholders within Nigerian athletics have described the Gaborone outing as a positive indicator of progress, with former AFN president Solomon Ogba commending the team’s performance and projecting further improvement.
Technical officials also credited the athletes’ determination and the support structure behind the team, while acknowledging that refinement is still needed ahead of global competition.
With qualification secured, attention now shifts to preparation and consistency as Nigeria aims to translate its relay potential into podium finishes at the Beijing 2027 championships.
