AFN Names Strong Squad For World Athletics Relays

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has unveiled a 24-athlete squad for the World Athletics Relays, set for May 2 and 3 in Gaborone, Botswana, featuring a blend of experienced campaigners and promising young talents.

According to the list released by the AFN Technical Committee after successful entries were confirmed, Nigeria will be represented by some of its most recognisable relay performers, including Patience Okon George, Blessing Ogundiran, Chidi Okezie, Emmanuel Ojeli, Enoch Adegoke and Favour Oghene-Tejiri Ashe. The selection reflects the federation’s intention to field competitive teams across all six relay events on the programme.

The squad also features a number of younger athletes who are being introduced into the senior relay structure, among them Gafari Badmus, Asuquo Ezekiel Eno, Lawrence Jacinta, Jimoh Toheebat and Tejiri Godwin. Their inclusion suggests the AFN’s effort to build depth as Nigeria continues to target strong showings in sprint and quarter-mile relays on the international stage.

Team Nigeria has entered all six relay races: the men’s and women’s 4×100m, the men’s and women’s 4×400m, as well as the mixed 4×100 and mixed 4x400m events. The breadth of entries indicates the country’s ambition to remain a force in relay athletics, where baton changes, cohesion and speed often matter as much as individual ability.

In the men’s 4x100m pool, Enoch Adegoke and Favour Ashe headline a group that also includes James Taiwo Emmanuel, Chidera Ezeakor and Tejiri Godwin. For the men’s 4x400m, the AFN has called up Ezekiel Enoh Azukwo, Gafari Badmus, Victor Ime, Samson Nathaniel, Emmanuel Ojeli and Chidi Okezie. Okezie and Ojeli bring experience and proven relay pedigree to the quarter-mile team.

The women’s sprint relay squad features the likes of Rosemary Chukwuma, Miracle Ezechukwu and Blessing Ogundiran, while the women’s 4x400m includes veteran Patience Okon George alongside Anita Enaruna, Toheebat Jimoh, Taiwo Mary Kudoro, Jecinta Lawrence and Esther Okon. Patience Okon George’s presence is particularly significant, given her wealth of championship experience.

Nigeria’s mixed relay teams also show a careful balance of speed and consistency. The mixed 4x100m list includes Adegoke, Chukwuma, Taiwo Emmanuel, Ezeakor, Ezechukwu and Ogundiran, while the mixed 4×400 metres squad brings together Sekiru Adewale Adeyemi, Anita Enaruna, Patience Okon George, Toheebat Jimoh, Emmanuel Ojeli and Chidi Okezie.

The World Athletics Relays serve as an important qualification and assessment platform ahead of major global championships, making the Gaborone meeting a significant test for Nigeria’s relay programme. With a mix of seasoned names and emerging talents, the AFN appears to be banking on both experience and fresh energy to deliver competitive performances in Botswana.