NSC DG Lands In Gaborone To Rally Team Nigeria Ahead Of World Athletics Relays

Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has arrived in Gaborone to provide a timely morale boost to Team Nigeria ahead of the 2026 World Athletics Relays, which commence on 1 May.

Olopade’s presence is seen as a significant show of institutional backing as Nigeria prepares to compete against some of the world’s strongest relay teams in all six events scheduled for the competition. The championships will also serve as a crucial qualification pathway for two major global meets — the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing and the 2026 World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest.

Members of the Nigerian contingent are reported to be in high spirits, with final preparations intensifying in the Botswana capital. The arrival of key athletes and officials has reinforced confidence within the camp as the team aims to secure qualification spots and deliver strong performances on the international stage.

Among the notable additions to the squad is sprint sensation Favour Ashe, who is expected to play a pivotal role in both the men’s 4×100 metres relay and the mixed 4×100 metres event. Ashe, one of Nigeria’s fastest men in recent years, has distinguished himself as one of the few active Nigerian sprinters to have broken the 10-second barrier in the 100 metres — a benchmark of elite sprinting.

Senior sports administrators have also joined the delegation, underlining the importance attached to the competition. These include Nigeria Olympic Committee Vice-President Solomon Ogba and Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) President Tonobok Okowa.

Their presence is expected to strengthen coordination and provide strategic oversight as Nigeria seeks to maintain its reputation as a formidable force in relay events across Africa and beyond.

With the stakes high and qualification opportunities on the line, Team Nigeria will aim to translate preparation into podium-worthy performances while also laying down a marker ahead of future global championships.