The National Sports Commission (NSC) has praised Nigeria’s relay teams for securing qualification in all their entered events ahead of the upcoming World Relays Championships scheduled for May in Gaborone, Botswana.
The qualification feats were achieved across multiple events, with the Men’s 4x400m relay team—Samson Nathaniel, Emmanuel Ojeli, Victor Sampson Ime, and Sikiru Adeyemi, booking their place at the Lefika International Relays held at the National Stadium in Gaborone.
In the Mixed 4x100m relay, the quartet of Maria Omokwe, Chidera Ezeakor, James T. Emmanuel, and Jennifer Obi Chukwuka also sealed qualification during the same competition in Botswana.
Meanwhile, the Women’s 4x400m relay team comprising Patience Okon George, Jecinter Lawrence, Anita Enaruna, and Treasure Okereke earned their spot at the MTN Champs Relays held at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar.
Director-General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, described the development as a significant breakthrough for Nigerian athletics, attributing the success to strategic investment and collaboration with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
“This is a big moment for Nigerian athletics. The qualification of all our relay teams for the World Relays Championships clearly reflects well on the National Sports Commission’s investment in the Athletics Federation of Nigeria,” he said.
He added that the results demonstrate the effectiveness of partnerships between the Commission and sporting federations in delivering measurable progress.
“It shows that our collaboration with sports federations is working and delivering real results. We are already focused on preparations for the championships in Gaborone this May,” he stated.
Olopade further commended the athletes and the AFN for their dedication, noting the emergence of younger athletes alongside experienced competitors as a positive sign for the future of the sport.
“I want to appreciate the AFN and our athletes for their tireless commitment. It is particularly exciting to see some of the young athletes we have been nurturing stepping up and playing key roles alongside our established stars. This gives us great confidence for the future of Nigerian athletics,” he added.
