Leading the charge are seasoned Olympians and breakout stars of the 2026 season, as Nigeria aims to secure podium finishes across all six relay events.
The Big Surprise: Favour Ashe Stays Green and White
The biggest headline of the selection is the inclusion of Favour Ashe. For months, rumors swirled within the athletics community that the former Commonwealth Games bronze medalist was in the process of switching his international allegiance to represent Qatar.
His inclusion in the 4x100m pool effectively ends that speculation, providing a massive boost to Nigeria’s sprint hopes. Ashe is joined in the men’s short relay by Tokyo Olympics finalist Enoch Adegoke, as well as James Taiwo Emmanuel, Chidera Ezeakor, and Tejire Godwin.
Speed Queens: Ogundiran and Chukwuma Lead the Pack
Nigeria’s women’s 4x100m team looks set to be one of the fastest in Gaborone. The squad is led by Blessing Ogundiran, who recently stunned the world by clocking a joint-world-leading time of 10.98 seconds just last weekend.
She will be supported by Rosemary Chukwuma, Rosemary Nwankwo, and Miracle Ezechukwu, forming a quartet that technical experts believe is capable of breaking the African record.
Veteran Experience in the 4x400m
The quarter-mile events will lean heavily on experience. Veteran Patience Okon George remains the anchor of the women's 4x400m squad, which includes rising star Anita Enaruna, currently performing at an elite level on an NCAA scholarship with Arizona State University.
In the men’s 4x400m, All-African Games gold medalist Chidi Okezie headlines a deep pool alongside Emmanuel Ojeli and Sikiru Adeyemi.
Full Roster Breakdown
Men's 4x100m:
Enoch Adegoke, Favour Ashe, James Taiwo Emmanuel, Chidera Ezeakor, Tejire Godwin.
Men's 4x400m & Mixed:
Chidi Okezie, Emmanuel Ojeli, Sikiru Adeyemi, Samson Nathaniel, Victor Ime, Gafari Badmus, Ezekiel Enoh Azukwo.
Women's 4x100m:
Blessing Ogundiran, Rosemary Chukwuma, Rosemary Nwankwo, Miracle Ezechukwu, Jenifer Chukwuka.
Women's 4x400m & Mixed:
Patience Okon George, Anita Enaruna, Jecinter Lawrence, Treasure Okereke, Maria Omokwe, Jimoh Toheebat.
The Road to Gaborone
AFN President Tonobok Okowa expressed high confidence in the team, noting that the blend of proven veterans and "emerging hunger" from younger athletes like Jecinter Lawrence (the youngest member of the team) is exactly what Nigeria needs to dominate.
Nigeria has a rich history at the World Relays, including a 4x200m gold in 2015. With the team now cleared to compete in all six events—the 4x100m (Men/Women), 4x400m (Men/Women/Mixed), and the Mixed 4x100m—expectations for a multi-medal haul have never been higher.
Will Team Nigeria dominate in Botswana? Which relay team are you most excited to watch? Share your predictions in the comments below!