- He further encouraged the athletes to give their best
- Nigeria’s men’s 4×100 metres relay team will also compete in a highly competitive heat featuring Great Britain
- The competition, which begins today, features 743 athletes from 40 countries
President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigeria’s relay athletes to make the nation proud as they compete at the 8th edition of the World Athletics Relays Championship taking place at the National Stadium Gaborone.
The competition, which begins today, features 743 athletes from 40 countries, making it one of the most competitive relay events on the global athletics calendar, Eko Hot Blog gathered.
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The President’s message was delivered to Team Nigeria by the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, following the team’s final training session.
According to a statement issued by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria through its media committee chairman, Maxwell Kumoye, Tinubu urged the athletes to compete with determination and national pride.
Olopade, while addressing the team, highlighted the importance of athletics to Nigeria’s sporting development, describing it as a key avenue for empowerment and talent growth.
He noted that the relays hold special significance for the country, particularly as they serve as qualification events for future global championships.
He further encouraged the athletes to give their best, stressing that they are representing not just themselves but the entire nation, their states, and the President.
Team Nigeria faces a tough start to the competition, especially in the mixed 4×400 metres relay, where they have been drawn alongside top contenders including the Netherlands, Jamaica, Poland, China, Japan, and Canada.
Only the top two teams in each heat, along with the fastest non automatic qualifiers, will progress to the final and secure spots at the 2027 World Championships.
With a personal best of 3 minutes 11.99 seconds and a season best of 3 minutes 16.13 seconds, Nigeria will rely on a blend of experienced and emerging athletes.
The squad is expected to include Chidi Okezie, Ezekiel Asuquo, Gafari Badmus, Victor Ime, Samson Nathaniel, and Emmanuel Ojeli.
On the women’s side, Patience Okon George leads a team that includes Anita Enaruna, Toheebat Jimoh, Taiwo Kudoro, Jecinta Lawrence, and Esther Okon.
Nigeria’s men’s 4×100 metres relay team will also compete in a highly competitive heat featuring Great Britain and Northern Ireland, South Africa, Brazil, China, Ghana, India, and Poland. The Nigerian team, led by Enoch Adegoke and Favour Ashe, will need a strong performance to secure qualification.
Adegoke, an Olympic finalist, and Ashe, one of Nigeria’s fastest sprinters, are expected to anchor the team alongside James Emmanuel, Chidera Ezeakor, and Tejire Godwin.
Defending champions South Africa and Olympic silver medallists headline the field, while global powerhouses such as the United States, Canada, and Jamaica are also expected to deliver strong performances across events.
Nigeria is competing in all six relay categories at this year’s championship and will be aiming to improve on its past record, which includes a bronze medal in 2014 and a gold medal in 2015.
With qualification tickets for the 2027 World Championships and the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship at stake, Team Nigeria faces a demanding task but remains determined to make an impact on the global stage.
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