Nigeria's relay squads battle for World Champs spots at Gaborone Relays
The 8th World Athletics Relays begins today, May 2, 2026, at the National Stadium in Gaborone, Botswana, with 743 athletes from 40 countries competing. Nigeria enters mixed 4x400m and men's 4x100m heats, facing strong teams like the Netherlands (Olympic best 3:07.43), Jamaica, Poland, China, Japan, Canada, India, South Africa, Brazil, and Great Britain. In the mixed 4x400m, Nigeria's season-best is 3:16.13, relying on Chidi Okezie, Ezekiel Asuquo, Gafari Badmus, Victor Ime, Samson Nathaniel, and Emmanuel Ojeli. The men's 4x100m squad, led by Enoch Adegoke and Favour Ashe, has a best of 37.94 seconds. Only the top two teams in each heat plus the two fastest losers advance, securing qualification for the 2027 World Championships and the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship. Nigeria's past relay medals are a bronze in 2014 and gold in 2015; success here would boost morale and funding for athletics. Fans can follow live updates via Athletics Federation of Nigeria channels and local sports broadcasters.