By Peter Akinbo
Nigeria’s relay teams are set to arrive in Gaborone, Botswana, on Thursday (today) to compete at the Lefika International Relays, as the country steps up its push to secure qualification for the World Relay Championships later this year, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The contingent departed on Wednesday via Ethiopian Airlines, with a scheduled stopover in Addis Ababa before touching down in Gaborone.
Nigeria will compete in four events at the competition: the men’s 4x100m, mixed 4x100m, men’s 4x400m, and mixed 4x400m relays. The overriding objective is to secure slots for the World Relay Championships, also scheduled for Gaborone in May.
Notably, the women’s 4x100m and 4x400m relay squads have already qualified for the global event, leaving the remaining teams to battle for the available berths.
The Nigerian delegation is led by senior officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, including President Tonobok Okowa, Secretary General Isreal Inwang, and Technical Director Gabriel Okon.
The squad is a blend of youth and experience. Enaruna Itohan, Badmus Atanda, Ezeakor Chidera, Emmanuel Taiwo, Ojeli Emmanuel, and George Okon are among those expected to play key roles. Other squad members include Nathaniel Samson, Adeyemi Adewale, Sampson Ime, Godwin Tejiri, Andrew Lawrence, Chukwuka Jennifer, and Omokwe Thompson.
The team has spent the last six weeks sharpening their baton exchanges and race strategy at a training camp in Asaba, Delta State.
With administrative backing from the National Sports Commission and the AFN, Nigeria will be aiming to make a strong impression in Gaborone as they continue their preparations for the World Relay Championships.
