Nigeria's relay teams will face stiff competition at the 8th World Athletics Relays Championship, which kicks off today at the National Stadium in Gaborone, Botswana. The event, running from May 2-3, 2026, offers qualification spots for the 2026 World Athletics Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The Nigerian contingent includes the men's and women's 4x100m and 4x400m teams, as well as the mixed 4x400m relay. Key athletes include sprinters Favour Ofili and Udodi Onwuzurike, who are expected to lead the teams. The competition features top teams from the United States, Jamaica, and Great Britain.
According to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), the teams have been training in Abuja and are aiming to secure automatic qualification for the World Championships. The top 14 teams in each event will qualify for the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, later this year.
Nigeria's women's 4x100m team, which won bronze at the 2024 African Championships, is considered a strong contender. However, the men's 4x400m team faces a tough field, including Botswana's home team led by Letsile Tebogo.
The championship is also a key opportunity for Nigerian athletes to improve their world rankings and secure individual spots for the Olympics. The AFN has expressed confidence in the teams' preparation, despite the challenging competition.
