By Aderonke Ojo
The National Sports Commission (NSC) celebrates the achievements of Nigeria’s relay teams for successfully qualifying for all the events entered for, in the building up to the upcoming World Relays Championships scheduled for May in Gaborone, Botswana.
Director General of the Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade stated that the achievement represents a major milestone for Nigerian athletics and reflects the Commission’s strategic goals 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. It shows that our collaboration with sports federations is working and delivering real results,” Hon. Olopade said.
“We are already focused on preparations for the championships in Gaborone this May. 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.”
The Men’s 4x400m Relay team, comprising Samson Nathaniel, Emmanuel Ojeli, Victor Sampson Ime, and Sikiru Adeyemi, confirmed their qualification at the Lefika International Relays held at the National Stadium in Gaborone, Botswana.
In the Mixed 4x100m Relay event, the team of Maria Omokwe, Chidera Ezeakor, James T. Emmanuel, and Jennifer Obi Chukwuka also secured qualification in Gaborone.
Nigeria’s Women’s 4x400m Relay team, Patience Okon George, Jecinter Lawrence, Anita Enaruna, and Treasure Okereke, secured qualification at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar during the MTN Champs Relays.
The NSC reaffirmed its commitment to sustained investment in athlete development, grassroots programmes, and international exposure, in line with the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu vision for Nigerian sports.
