Nigeria clinches additional relay slots for 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing
Team Nigeria, largely made up of home-based athletes, has secured additional tickets to the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China, following a strong performance at the World Relays in Gaborone, Botswana.
The new qualifications came in the women’s 4×100m and mixed 4×400m relays on the final day of competition at the National Stadium in Gaborone on Sunday.
Earlier in the championship, Nigeria impressed when the mixed 4×100m quartet of Favour Ashe, Obi Jennifer Chukwuka, Chidera Ezeakor, and Maria Thompson Omokwe ran a historic 40.24 seconds to win gold and set a new African record, securing qualification in the event.
On the final day, the mixed 4×400m team, anchored by Chidi Okezie and supported by Nathaniel Ezekiel, Taiwo Mary Kudoro, and Patience Okon George, delivered a season’s best 3:12.88 to book their place at the 2027 championships.
The women’s 4×100m team also bounced back strongly after an earlier baton exchange setback, clocking 42.94 seconds, Nigeria’s fastest time since the Paris 2024 Olympics, with teenager Miracle Ezechukwu anchoring the quartet.
The performances were achieved despite the absence of several established international stars, with Nigeria relying heavily on athletes developed through its domestic system.
Nigeria still has additional qualification opportunities ahead, with the men’s and women’s 4×400m teams, as well as the men’s 4×100m squad, expected to compete for remaining slots later in the year.
The mixed 4×100m team has also secured qualification for the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest, further underlining Nigeria’s strong relay showing at the championship.
