The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has announced its strategic participation in the upcoming World Relays in Guangzhou, China, scheduled for May 10-11. The primary objective for Team Nigeria at the relays is to secure qualifying berths for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, slated for September 13-21. The AFN has meticulously selected its relay teams with an eye on maximizing their chances in the four events they have chosen to contest: the men’s and women’s 4x100m relays, the 4x400m mixed relay, and the newly introduced 4x100m mixed relay. This targeted approach reflects the AFN’s commitment to not just participating, but excelling and earning a place at the prestigious World Championships.
The composition of the Nigerian relay teams features a blend of seasoned athletes and rising stars. Leading the charge are Tobi Amusan, the women’s 100m hurdles record holder, and Favour Ofili, a Paris 2024 Olympics 200m finalist. They are joined in the women’s 4x100m team by Rosemary Chukwuma, Tiana Eyakpobeyan, Success Umukoro, and Jennifer Chukwuka Obi. The men’s 4x100m squad comprises Alaba Akintola, Udodi Onwuzurike, Favour Ashe, Karlington Anunagba, Folawiyo Olaoye, and Usheoritshe Itshekiri. This combination of experience and emerging talent underscores the AFN’s strategy of blending established prowess with the potential of future stars.
The strategic selection of relay events highlights the AFN’s focus on maximizing their qualifying opportunities. Technical Director Samuel Onikeku emphasized that the chosen events represent Nigeria’s best chances to compete at the highest level and secure qualification for the World Championships. This strategic approach is underscored by the fact that seven Nigerian athletes have already qualified for eight individual events in Tokyo. These athletes include Amusan (women’s 100m hurdle), Ofili (women’s 200m), Ezekiel Nathaniel (men’s 400m and 400m hurdles), Samuel Ogazi (men’s 400m), Tima Godbless (women’s 200m), and Ella Onojuvwevwo (women’s 400m). This existing individual qualification further motivates the relay teams to solidify Nigeria’s presence at the World Championships.
Nigeria’s participation in the 4x400m mixed relay and the 4x100m mixed relay demonstrates the nation’s adaptability and ambition in embracing new formats within the sport. The 4x400m mixed relay team features Chidi Okezie, Ifeanyin Ojeli, Samson Nathaniel, George Patience Okon, Praise Idamadudu, and Omolara Ogunmakinju. The 4x100m mixed relay team will be strategically chosen from a pool of athletes including Favour Ashe, Alaba Akintola, Udodi Onwuzurike, Rosemary Chukwuma, Favour Ofili, and Success Umukoro. The inclusion of these mixed relay events showcases Nigeria’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the evolving track and field landscape.
The qualification pathway for the World Championships underscores the significance of the World Relays. The top 14 teams in each relay event at the Guangzhou relays automatically qualify for Tokyo. Alternatively, teams that don’t finish in the top 14 can still qualify based on their world ranking at the end of the qualification period. This dual qualification system adds a layer of complexity and urgency to the World Relays, making a strong performance in Guangzhou crucial for Team Nigeria. Their participation has been secured through commendable performances during the Paris 2024 Olympics at the Stade de France and at the African Games held at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium.
In essence, the World Relays in Guangzhou serve as a critical stepping stone for Team Nigeria’s ambitions at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. The AFN’s strategic selection of events, the blend of experience and emerging talent in the relay squads, and the emphasis on securing qualifying berths highlights the importance of this competition. The relays present an opportunity not only to qualify but also to fine-tune strategies, build team cohesion, and gain valuable international experience ahead of the World Championships. Nigeria’s performance in Guangzhou will be a significant indicator of their readiness to compete on the global stage in Tokyo.
