By Andrew Abah, Abuja
Team Nigeria showcased its competitiveness in a thrilling series of performances at the 2026 World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, Botswana, securing major qualifications and delivering standout moments on the international stage.
In the women’s 4x100m repechage, the Nigerian quartet of Chigozie Rosemary, Obi Jennifer Chukwuka, Maria Thompson, and Miracle Ezechukwu bounced back strongly from a difficult baton exchange on Saturday. The team clocked an impressive 42.94 seconds to finish second in their heat on Sunday, pushing eventual winners France to the line in a dramatic sprint finish. The French team narrowly edged victory in 42.93 seconds, highlighting the fierce competitiveness of the race.
The mixed 4x400m relay team, Samson Nathaniel, Taiwo Kudoro, Chidi Okezie, and Patience Okon-George, also delivered a determined performance. Running a Season’s Best time of 3:12.88, they secured second place and, crucially, qualified for the 2027 World Championships in Beijing.
Team Nigeria further cemented its status by earning an automatic qualification for the World Ultimate Challenge later this year in Budapest. This came after a sixth-place finish in the mixed 4x100m relay final, making Nigeria the only African nation to secure automatic qualification in this event.
Impressively, Nigeria has now qualified for both the 2027 World Championships and the 2026 Ultimate Challenge in Budapest.
Overall, Nigeria secured three qualification spots for next year’s World Championships, along with one ticket to the Ultimate Challenge.
Meanwhile, Botswana delivered a historic performance on home soil in the men’s 4x400m relay. The quartet of Lee Eppie, Letsile Tebogo, Bayapo Ndori, and Collen Kebinatshipi stormed to gold in a stunning time of 2:54.47. In a gripping duel with South Africa, Botswana shattered both the African Record and Championship Record, electrifying the home crowd and marking one of the standout performances of the competition. Their time also elevates them to the second-fastest nation in history in the event.
NSC DG, Hon. Bukola Olopade stated that the event was a proud outing for Nigeria and the Commission will continue to support and invest in athletes as they build towards even greater.
