The National Sports Commission (NSC) has charged Team Nigeria to deliver outstanding performances at the 2026 World Athletics Relays scheduled for 2 to 3 May in Gaborone, Botswana.
Speaking ahead of the team’s departure on Monday, the NSC Director General, Bukola Olopade, urged the athletes to remain disciplined, united and focused, noting that the competition offers another opportunity for Nigeria to reaffirm its status in global athletics.
‘The entire nation stands firmly behind you’, he said.
‘We have absolute faith in your ability to deliver and make Nigeria proud’.
He tasked the athletes with targeting podium finishes as well as securing qualification spots for major upcoming championships.
The contingent departed Nigeria in the early hours of Monday aboard Ethiopian Airlines, with some foreign-based athletes expected to join the team in Gaborone.
Nigeria will compete in all six relay events at the championship, having secured approval from World Athletics to enter a full programme after initially qualifying in three disciplines.
The event also serves as a qualification pathway for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing, as well as the World Athletics Ultimate Championship, raising the stakes for participating nations.
