Team Nigeria Targets More Relay Slots in Botswana as its National Trials begins Friday

Three more home-based athletes, Miracle Ezechukwu, Ezekiel Asuquo, and Rosemary Nwankwo, have bolstered the Nigerian contingent ahead of the Botswana National Trials (April 3–5), underlining a growing strength that the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) is deliberately building from within.

This is no coincidence. It’s a strategy backed by the National Sports Commission (NSC).

For years, Nigerian athletics has leaned heavily on foreign-based stars. But now, the AFN is rewriting that narrative with the support of the NSC investing in developing, and trusting home-based athletes to deliver on the big stage.

According to the AFN Media Committee chairman, Maxwell Kumoye, the Botswana trials are the latest proving ground and the stakes are high.

With the World Athletics Relays 2026 fast approaching, Team Nigeria is not just participating, they are hunting.

Already qualified in four events, the women’s 4x100m, women’s 4x400m, mixed 4x100m, and men’s 4x400m, the mission in Botswana is clear, secure more slots and sharpen the edge.

In camp, the energy is electric.
Under the watchful eye of Technical Director Gabriel Okon, baton exchanges are being drilled to perfection, race strategies refined, and combinations tested.

“Beyond the qualification spots, something bigger is unfolding.
This is about depth. This is about identity, it is about Nigeria building a formidable relay force powered not just by diaspora talent, but by athletes groomed on home soil—hungry, prepared, and ready,” Kumoye added.