Nigeria shifts World Relays qualification focus to Botswana
Tonobok Okowa and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria have decided not to use the Battle on the Bayou meet in the United States as a route to qualify for the World Athletics Relays. Instead, the federation will concentrate on events in Botswana, aiming to secure the remaining qualification spots. While some Nigerian athletes will still compete individually in the US, no official team effort will be coordinated there. The National Sports Commission has confirmed this change in strategy.
Match highlights
- Tonobok Okowa confirmed that Nigeria will not attempt relay qualification at the Baton Rouge meet in the US.
- Nigerian athletes such as Rosemary Chukwuma, Tima Godbless, Success Umukoro, and others will still compete individually at the event.
- Nigeria will focus on the Botswana National Trials, following participation at the Lefika International Relays, to secure remaining World Athletics Relays spots.
- The National Sports Commission noted Nigeria has already qualified in three of six relay events and approved further participation in Botswana.
- Rising sprinter Miracle Ezechukwu has joined the women’s 4x100m relay squad in Botswana to boost their qualification chances.
