Nigeria target World Relay slots as squad departs for Gaborone
A 15-athlete contingent departed Lagos on Wednesday aboard Ethiopian Airlines, with Technical Director Gabriel Okon declaring the team primed to secure qualification berths at the World Relay Championships. Team Nigeria
A 15-athlete contingent departed Lagos on Wednesday aboard Ethiopian Airlines, with Technical Director Gabriel Okon declaring the team primed to secure qualification berths at the World Relay Championships.
Team Nigeria departed Lagos yesterday for the Lefika International Relays in Gaborone, Botswana, intensifying the country's campaign to qualify for the World Relay Championships scheduled for May — also in Gaborone.
The travelling party of 15 athletes and three officials flew via Ethiopian Airlines with a scheduled stopover in Addis Ababa before touching down in Gaborone on March 26. Sprint star Enoch Adegoke will join the squad directly from Germany, reinforcing the squad ahead of Saturday's competition.
Nigeria's women's 4×100m and mixed 4×100m relay teams have already secured qualification for the World Relay Championships. The remaining squads travel to Gaborone in pursuit of the outstanding slots.
AFN Secretary General Israel Inwang told reporters shortly before the team's departure that morale within the camp is high ahead of the crucial Saturday races, confirming the logistical arrangements and Adegoke's separate travel.
"We need to build a strong blend of athletes at home and those abroad. Together, they can strengthen the team and deliver better results."
Gabriel Okon, AFN Technical Director, expressed firm confidence in Nigeria's chances across multiple qualification events, emphasising the collective quality of both home-based and diaspora athletes. "With all things being equal, we will pick up qualification slots. The athletes have trained well, and I can confidently say they are ready," he added.
George Patience Okon, one of the experienced athletes in the contingent quipped: "This race means a lot to me and the team. We are going there to give our best, and with that, we believe we will qualify for the World Championships later this year."
Her optimism was echoed by Victor Ime, who acknowledged the size of the task but pointed to the team's depth as cause for belief. "We made an attempt in Calabar and ran 3:04, but this is another big opportunity. With the team we have now, I believe we can secure qualification," he said.
Youngest squad member Jecinter Lawrence also expressed excitement at the chance to represent Nigeria on the regional stage for the first time at this level.
Technical Director Okon extended appreciation to the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria for their backing.
"I want to thank NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, Director General Honourable Bukola Olopade, and AFN President Tonobok Okowa for the funding and continued support," he said.
Team Nigeria returns to Gaborone — the very city that will host the World Relay Championships in May — with ambitions that go well beyond participation.
TEAM ROSTER TO LEFIKA INTERNATIONAL RELAYS 2026
Enoch Adegoke
Enaruna Anita Itohan
George Patience Okon
Badmus Gafari Atanda
Sampson Victor Ime
Ezeakor Chidera
Ojeli Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Emmanuel James Taiwo
Nathaniel Samson
Adeyemi Sikiru Adewale
Godwin Tejiri
Jecinter Lawrence
Chukwuka Obi Jennifer
Omokwe Maria Thompson
