Nigeria, 38 Nations Set For World Relays Showdown In Gaborone

Nigeria, 38 Nations Set For World Relays Showdown In Gaborone

By Niyi Busari 

Gaborone, Botswana, will play host to a major international athletics event this weekend as 39 nations, including Nigeria, gather for the World Athletics Relays. Beyond competing for medals, teams will also be vying for qualification spots at the 2027 World Championships and the 2026 World Ultimate Championships.

The two-day competition is scheduled to take place on Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3, 2026, featuring six relay events: men’s and women’s 4x100m and 4x400m races, as well as mixed 4x100m and 4x400m relays.

Proceedings will begin on Day 1 with Round 1 races, starting at 2:05 p.m. local time with the mixed 4x100m relay. The competition will continue on Day 2, with qualification rounds and finals commencing at 2:02 p.m.

Nigeria will be represented by a 27-member squad competing across all six events, reflecting the country’s strong ambition and depth in relay athletics. The team will participate in the men’s, women’s, and mixed relay categories, aiming to secure podium finishes and qualification berths.

The opening day will feature preliminary rounds, including the mixed relays and the first round of World Championships qualification races for men’s and women’s events. Competition will intensify on the second day with the second round of World Championships qualification, followed by races for World Athletics Ultimate Championship qualification and the finals across all categories.