Nigeria eyes Beijing 2027 tickets at World Relays showdown

By Tosin Omojola

Nigeria will depart for the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, Botswana, with a clear focus on securing qualification slots for upcoming global competitions and challenging for podium finishes.

The 24-athlete contingent, made up of a blend of emerging talents and experienced performers, is scheduled to travel on Monday via Ethiopian Airlines, with a stopover in Addis Ababa before arriving in Gaborone.

Team Nigeria will compete in all six relay events at the two-day championship, slated for May 2 to May 3, 2026.

The squad will be guided by four coaches under the leadership of the Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Gabriel Okon, as preparations intensify for what promises to be a highly competitive tournament.

An advance delegation led by AFN Secretary, Israel Inwang, arrived in Gaborone on Sunday after the team’s official photo session ahead of departure.

This year’s edition of the World Relays carries added significance, as it serves as a qualification pathway to the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing, as well as the World Athletics Ultimate Championship.