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By JOE APU
Team Nigeria will depart for the World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, Botswana, on Monday, aiming to secure qualification places for upcoming global competitions.
The 24-athlete contingent, comprising a blend of youth and experience, is scheduled to travel via Ethiopian Airlines, with a stopover in Addis Ababa before arriving in Botswana. The championship is set to hold from May 2 to May 3, 2026.
Nigeria will compete in all six relay events, with preparations intensifying under the guidance of Technical Director Gabriel Okon, who leads a team of four coaches.
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An advance delegation, headed by AFN Secretary Israel Inwang, had earlier arrived in Gaborone on Sunday following the team’s official photo session ahead of departure.
The 2026 edition of the World Relays carries added importance, serving as a qualification route to the World Athletics Championships and the World Athletics Ultimate Championship.
According to organisers, a total of 723 athletes from 40 countries have registered for the event, highlighting the scale and competitiveness of the meet. All six reigning champions from the 2025 edition are expected to defend their titles, alongside medal-winning nations from recent World Championships and Olympic Games.
Nigeria will be looking to deliver strong performances across the relay events as it seeks to secure qualification tickets and strengthen its presence on the global athletics stage.
