The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has taken a bold step in adding more home-based athletes to the country’s contingent that is currently in Botswana, where they are running for qualification spots to the World Relays Championship.
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Sports247 gathered that three home-based athletes – Miracle Ezechukwu, Ezekiel Asuquo and Rosemary Nwankwo – have arrived in Gaborone ahead of this weekend’s Botswana National Trials, with more World Relays spots also on offer.
This much was revealed by the AFN’s media committee chairman, Maxwell Kumoye, who explained that it is part of the federation’s efforts to build Nigeria’s athletics team from within and backed by the National Sports Commission (NSC).
Kumoye pointed out that the trip to Botswana is the latest platform for Nigeria to prove its mettle, though the stakes are high, as all the competitors have their eyes on the fast-approaching 2026 World Athletics Relays at the same venue in May.
He also affirmed that Team Nigeria is not just participating, but hunting for more tickets, which would add to the spots already earned by the women’s 4x100m and 4x400m teams, mixed 4x100m and men’s 4x400m quartet.
“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.
“They are hungry, prepared, and ready. 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.
“For years, Nigerian athletics has leaned heavily on foreign-based stars. But now, the AFN is rewriting that narrative, with support of the NSC, investing in and trusting home-based athletes to deliver on the big stage,” Kumoye emphasized.
