Team Nigeria Heads To Lefika Relays In Push for World Championship Qualification

Team Nigeria Heads To Lefika Relays In Push for World Championship Qualification

Sampson Adedeji

Team Nigeria is set to depart on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, for the Lefika International Relays in Gaborone, Botswana, as part of its drive to secure qualification for the World Relay Championships later this year, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The delegation will travel via Ethiopian Airlines, with a stopover in Addis Ababa before arriving in Gaborone on March 26.

Nigeria will feature in four events at the competition: the men’s 4x100m, mixed 4x100m, men’s 4x400m, and mixed 4x400m relays. The primary objective is to clinch qualification spots for the World Relay Championships scheduled for May, also in Gaborone.

The women’s 4x100m and 4x400m relay teams have already secured their places at the global event, leaving the remaining squads to compete for the outstanding slots.

Leading the delegation are key officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), including President Tonobok Okowa, Secretary General Isreal Inwang, and Technical Director Gabriel Okon.

The squad combines youth and experience, with athletes such as Enaruna Anita Itohan, Badmus Gafari Atanda, Ezeakor Chidera, Emmanuel James Taiwo, Ojeli Ifeanyi Emmanuel, and George Patience Okon expected to play prominent roles.

Also included in the team are Nathaniel Samson, Adeyemi Sikiru Adewale, Sampson Victor Ime, Godwin Tejiri, Andrew Jecinter Lawrence, Chukwuka Obi Jennifer, and Omokwe Maria Thompson.

The athletes have spent the last six weeks training in Asaba, Delta State, focusing on race strategies and baton exchanges ahead of the competition.

Backed by the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Team Nigeria will be aiming for a strong performance in Gaborone as they continue preparations for the World Relay Championships.