World Athletics Relays: Team Nigeria targets slots as Botswana National trials begin today
Three more home-based athletes including Miracle Ezechukwu, Ezekiel Asuquo and Rosemary Nwankwo have bolstered the Nigerian contingent ahead of the Botswana World Athletics Relays Trials (April 3–5), underlining a growing
- By Tunde Liadi
Three more home-based athletes including Miracle Ezechukwu, Ezekiel Asuquo and Rosemary Nwankwo have bolstered the Nigerian contingent ahead of the Botswana World Athletics Relays Trials (April 3–5), underlining a growing strength that the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) is deliberately building from within.
This is no coincidence. It is a strategy backed by the National Sports Commission (NSC).
For years, Nigerian athletics has leaned heavily on foreign-based stars. But the AFN is now rewriting that narrative, supported by the NSC's investment in developing and trusting home-based athletes to deliver on the big stage.
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According to AFN Media Committee chairman Maxwell Kumoye, the Botswana trials are the latest proving ground — and the stakes are high.
With the World Athletics Relays 2026 fast approaching, Team Nigeria is not merely participating; they are hunting.
Already qualified in four events — the women's 4x100m, women's 4x400m, mixed 4x100m, and men's 4x400m — the mission in Botswana is clear: secure more slots and sharpen the competitive edge.
In camp, the energy is high. Under the watchful eye of Technical Director Gabriel Okon, baton exchanges are being drilled to perfection, race strategies refined, and relay combinations tested.
"Beyond the qualification spots, something bigger is unfolding. This is about depth. This is about identity — about Nigeria building a formidable relay force powered not just by diaspora talent, but by athletes groomed on home soil: hungry, prepared, and ready," Kumoye said.
