Nigerian teams at the 2026 World Relays Championships, which began this Saturday in Gaborone, Botswana scratched the surface in their various performances; even though it was their best efforts.
As things turned out after Saturday morning events, it seems there is more work to be done by Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN)
But for the heartwarming run by the Favour Ashe led mixed 4x100m team, Nigeria athletics officials would have had almost nothing worthwhile to celebrate for all the efforts made to get the athletes ready.
With a season’s best of 40.24 seconds, the 4x100m team booked qualification for the World Championships next year. They are also in the final for possible podium finish on Sunday.
Canada is the top team to beat in the event with a time of 40.07seconds they set a world record; the team featuring Eliezer Adjibi, Marie-Éloise Leclair, Duan Asemota and Audrey Leduc perhaps, are good as gold unless Germany, Netherland and Nigeria have other plans for an upset win.
In the 4x400m mixed relay, despite running a season’s best of 3.13.12 seconds, Nigeria will have to wait for another chance to reach the final of the event on Sunday.
An improved performance in the race from Samson Oghenewegba Nathaniel, Taiwo Mary Kudoro, Chidi Okezie and Patience Okon-George will see them pick one of the two slots available to reach the final and also pick a World Championship qualification ticket.
In the women’s 4x100m Nigeria dropped their baton to effectively end their campaign even before it started, while the men 4×100 finished outside the qualification zone with a season best 38.31 seconds.
Canada ran a world leading time of 37.56seconds to establish themselves as top contenders, with Germany and South Africa as potential winners.
In the women’s 4x400m Nigeria’s team finished sixth in their heats with a season’s best of 3.30.71 seconds and 16 overall with no chance of being in the final.
The male quartet of Gafari Badmus, Ifeanyi Emmanuel Ojeli, Victor Ime and Ezekiel Asuquo also finished sixth in their heat, with a season’s best of 30.01.04 seconds and sixth overall to book their place in the final.
