Nigerian Secondary Students Selected for 2026 World Relays

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has unveiled a 24-athlete squad for the 2026 World Relays, scheduled for May 2-3 in Gaborone, Botswana. Notably, three secondary school students—Rosemary Chukwuma, Jecinta Lawrence, and Miracle Ezechukwu—have made the national team, marking a significant development in the integration of young talent into Nigeria's senior athletics setup.

This selection follows their impressive performances at the Junior Athletics Championships, where they competed against more experienced athletes. Chukwuma and Ezechukwu are set to participate in the women's 4x100m relay team, while Lawrence will compete in the women's 4x400m relay.

The inclusion of these young athletes reflects the positive impact of grassroots development programs aimed at fostering youth participation in elite competitions. The AFN's decision to include these athletes alongside established stars like Enoch Adegoke, Patience Okon, and Georg Chidi Okezi signals confidence in the future of Nigerian athletics.