NSC Charges Team Nigeria To Dominate Gaborone’s World Athletics Relays

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has issued a stirring call to arms for Nigeria’s elite athletes as they depart for the 2026 World Athletics Relays in Gaborone, Botswana.

In a move designed to galvanise the squad, the Commission has framed the upcoming championships as a vital opportunity to re-establish Nigeria’s historical dominance in global relay events.

Addressing the contingent before their departure on Monday, the NSC Chairman, Hon. Olopade, underscored the weight of the task ahead. “The entire nation stands firmly behind you,” he declared, stressing that the virtues of discipline and tactical unity would be the keys to success in Botswana. “We have absolute faith in your ability to deliver and make Nigeria proud.”

In a significant show of governmental support, Olopade confirmed he would be travelling to Gaborone to personally oversee the team’s progress. This high-level presence is intended to reassure the athletes that their welfare and success are of national priority.

The 24-man squad, which boarded an Ethiopian Airlines flight to the Southern African nation, comprises a strategic blend of seasoned Olympians and “NextGen” prospects hungry for their first taste of senior international silverware.

The stakes in Gaborone could not be higher. Beyond the immediate glory of podium finishes, the 2026 World Relays serve as the primary qualification gateway for the Beijing 2027 World Athletics Championships. Nigeria is scheduled to compete in all six relay categories, including the 4x100m, 4x400m, and the increasingly popular mixed relays.

With some overseas-based stars set to join the group directly in Botswana, the NSC has assured the public that all logistical hurdles have been cleared. As the team prepares for the two-day event (2–3 May), the message from Abuja is clear: nothing less than qualification for Beijing and a haul of medals will suffice for a nation that prides itself on its sprinting pedigree.