Follow Us on Google
Team Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 World Relays Championship have gathered momentum with the opening of a week-long training camp in Lagos on Monday.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) confirmed that its Technical Director, Gabriel Okon, will supervise the camping programme ahead of the global event scheduled to hold in Gaborone, Botswana, on May 2 and 3.
A strong contingent of home-based athletes has been invited to camp, with competitors drawn from the men’s and women’s 4x100m and 4x400m relay teams. Notable names include Enoch Adegoke, Samson Nathaniel, Emmanuel Ojeli, Patience Okon-George, and Maria Thompson Omokwe.
Other athletes listed for the camp include James Taiwo Emmanuel, Chidera Ezeakor, Tejire Godwin, Ezekiel Enoh Azukwo, Gafari Badmus, Victor Ime, Jenifer Chukwuka, Miracle Ezechukwu, Rosemary Nwankwo, Anita Enaruna, Toheebat Jimoh, Taiwo Mary Kudoro, Jecinta Lawrence, Esther Okon, and Sekiru Adewale Adeyemi.
The AFN disclosed that foreign-based athletes will link up with the team directly in Gaborone as Nigeria intensifies its quest for a strong showing at the World Relays.
Meanwhile, Nigerian athletes delivered encouraging performances at the Addis Ababa Grand Prix over the weekend, signalling readiness ahead of upcoming meets.
In the men’s 110m hurdles, Anthony Edward Jr claimed victory in 13.61 seconds, ahead of Yusuf Badawi (13.76), while Nigeria’s Musa Wisdom finished third in 14.34.
Other News
The women’s 400m saw Femi Adekoya power to victory in 50.28 seconds, with Kenya’s Mercy Chebet second in 51.38. Veteran Patience Okon-George secured third place in 51.70, underlining her enduring consistency on the continental stage.
In the men’s 400m, Botswana’s Justice Oratile won in 44.92, followed by Ruathdel Nhial Gnange (45.53), while Samson Nathaniel placed third in 45.89.
The men’s 200m event was won by Kenya’s Samuel Chege Waweru in 20.63 seconds, with compatriot Zablon Ekwam second (20.85).
Nigeria’s Chidi Okezie finished third in 20.92.
AFN President Tonobok Okowa attended the meet as a special guest of the Ethiopian Athletics Federation, underscoring growing collaboration within African athletics.
In a significant development, World Athletics confirmed that Ethiopia will host a Gold Label Grand Prix in 2027, a move expected to further strengthen the country’s status as a leading hub for elite track and field competitions.
With the Addis Ababa meet concluded, focus now shifts to the World Relays in Gaborone and subsequent competitions in Accra, as Nigeria’s athletes continue their build-up to a crucial international season.
