Okezie and Okon-George Headline Nigeria's 24-Athlete Squad for 2026 World Relays in Botswana
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has officially unveiled a 24-athlete team set to represent the nation at the prestigious 2026 World Athletics Relays. The event is scheduled to take place in Gaborone, Botswana, on May 2 and 3, 2026. Leading the charge are United States-based sprinter Chidi Okezie and veteran quartermiler Patience Okon-George, both of whom top the roster released by the AFN's Technical Committee.
Notable Inclusions and Omissions in the Squad
In addition to Okezie and Okon-George, the squad features established talents such as Blessing Ogundiran, Ojeli Ifeanyi Emmanuel, Enoch Adegoke, and Favour Oghene-Tejiri Ashe. The list also introduces promising newcomers, including Gafari Badmus, Asuquo Ezekiel Eno, Lawrence Jacinta, Jimoh Toheebat, and Tejiri Godwin, marking a blend of experience and emerging potential.
However, the team announcement comes with notable absences. World 10m hurdles record holder Tobi Amusan is conspicuously missing from the lineup, with the AFN providing no specific reason for her exclusion. Also absent is Favour Ofili, who has since switched allegiance to Turkey and represented that country in the same event last year.
Comprehensive Relay Participation Across All Categories
According to the AFN, Team Nigeria is poised to compete in all six relay categories at the World Athletics Relays. This includes the men's and women's 4x100m and 4x400m events, as well as the mixed 4x100m and 4x400m relays. The federation has detailed the athlete assignments for each category to ensure strategic representation.
Men's 4x100m Relay: The team will consist of Enoch Adegoke, Favour Oghene-Tejiri Ashe, Ojeli Ifeanyi Emmanuel, Chidera Ezeaku, and Tejiri Godwin.
Men's 4x400m Relay: Athletes selected include Samuel Azukwo, Gafari Badmus, Victor Ime, Samson Nathaniel, Emmanuel Ojeli, and Chidi Okezie.
Women's 4x100m Relay: This squad features Jennifer Chukwuka, Rosemary Chukwuma, Miracle Ezechukwu, Rosemary Nwankwo, Blessing Ogundiran, and Maria Thompson Omokwe.
Women's 4x400m Relay: The team comprises Anita Enaruna, Patience Okon-George, Toheebat Jimoh, Taiwo Mary Kudoro, Jacinta Lawrence, and Esther Okon.
Mixed 4x100m Relay: Participants include Enoch Adegoke, Rosemary Chukwuma, James Taiwo Emmanuel, Chidera Ezeaku, Miracle Ezechukwu, and Blessing Ogundiran.
Mixed 4x400m Relay: This category will see Sekiru Adewale Adeyemi, Anita Enaruna, Patience Okon-George, Toheebat Jimoh, Emmanuel Ojeli, and Chidi Okezie in action.
Strategic Implications and Expectations
The selection reflects the AFN's commitment to fielding a competitive team across all relay disciplines, aiming to showcase Nigeria's athletic prowess on the global stage. With a mix of seasoned performers and rising stars, the federation hopes to secure strong performances and potentially medal in the highly anticipated event in Botswana.
As the team prepares for the competition, all eyes will be on how these athletes gel in their respective relay squads, particularly in the absence of key figures like Amusan. The 2026 World Athletics Relays in Gaborone promises to be a critical test for Nigerian athletics, with outcomes likely to influence future selections and international standings.
