The 2026 World Relays Championships commenced this Saturday in Gaborone, Botswana, with Nigerian teams delivering mixed results. Despite their best efforts, the performances highlight areas requiring improvement for the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
Mixed 4x100m Relay Success
The mixed 4x100m team, led by Favour Ashe, provided a bright spot with a season's best time of 40.24 seconds. This performance secured qualification for next year's World Championships and a place in Sunday's final, offering a chance for a podium finish. Canada remains the top contender, having set a world record of 40.07 seconds with a team featuring Eliezer Adjibi, Marie-Éloise Leclair, Duan Asemota, and Audrey Leduc. However, Germany, the Netherlands, and Nigeria could challenge for an upset victory.
4x400m Mixed Relay
In the 4x400m mixed relay, Nigeria recorded a season's best of 3 minutes 13.12 seconds but must wait for another opportunity to reach Sunday's final. An improved performance from Samson Oghenewegba Nathaniel, Taiwo Mary Kudoro, Chidi Okezie, and Patience Okon-George could secure one of two available slots for the final and a World Championship qualification ticket.
Women's 4x100m Relay
The women's 4x100m team suffered a setback when they dropped the baton, effectively ending their campaign prematurely. Meanwhile, the men's 4x100m team finished outside the qualification zone despite a season's best of 38.31 seconds. Canada led the event with a world-leading time of 37.56 seconds, establishing themselves as top contenders alongside Germany and South Africa.
Women's and Men's 4x400m Relays
In the women's 4x400m, Nigeria finished sixth in their heat with a season's best of 3 minutes 30.71 seconds, ranking 16th overall with no chance of reaching the final. Conversely, the men's quartet of Gafari Badmus, Ifeanyi Emmanuel Ojeli, Victor Ime, and Ezekiel Asuquo also finished sixth in their heat but with a season's best of 3 minutes 1.04 seconds, securing a place in the final with an overall sixth-place ranking.
