Nigeria's Relay Team Boosted for World Athletics 2026

Nigeria's relay team is set to benefit from a boost in their qualification efforts for the World Athletics Relay 2026, following clarifications from Theetso Oabona, the acting president of the Botswana Athletics Association. The national trials in Botswana, scheduled from Friday to Sunday, faced uncertainty regarding their recognition by World Athletics.

Oabona dismissed concerns about the trials not being listed on the global body's official calendar, asserting that the national championship is automatically recognized. Nigeria's participation is strictly focused on relay events, and they are currently competing in Gaborone.

The Nigerian Athletics Federation is strengthening its squad with home-based athletes, including Miracl Ezechukwu, Ezekiel Asuquo, and Rosemari Nwankwo, to improve competitive depth. Nigeria has already secured qualification in three out of six events, including the women's 4x400m and mixed 4x100m.

The goal is to secure additional slots in the women's 4x100m and men's 4x100m events, with the trials expected to confirm their performance level and remove uncertainties regarding qualification.