Nigerian sprint star Favour Ashe has linked up with his teammates in Gaborone as preparations intensify for the 2026 World Relays in Botswana.
READ ALSO: Team Nigeria Intensifies Preparations in Gaborone Ahead of World Relays
The 22-year-old, who recently faced speculation over a possible switch of allegiance, has now put doubts to rest, reaffirming his dedication to representing Nigeria on the global stage. The competition is scheduled for May 2–3.
Ashe arrived from Lagos on Wednesday in the company of Tonobok Okowa, president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, joining a fully assembled Team Nigeria camp already settled in Botswana.
Speaking before departure, the sprinter sent a confident message: he is back and ready to make an impact at the championships.
Renowned for his explosive speed, Ashe has established himself among Nigeria’s elite sprinters.
He clocked a wind-assisted 9.79 seconds at the LSU Invitational in 2022— the fastest ever by a Nigerian under any condition, before posting a legal personal best of 9.96 seconds at the 2023 NCAA Championships. He further improved to 9.94 seconds at the 2024 NCAA East Regional Finals.
His steady progression has seen him break the 10-second barrier five times across three consecutive seasons, underlining his consistency at the highest level.
Ashe is expected to play a key role in Nigeria’s men’s 4x100m relay squad, teaming up with Enoch Adegoke, James Emmanuel, Chidera Ezeakor, and Tejiri Godwin.
In the women’s 4x100m event, Nigeria will feature Rosemary Chukwuma, Jenifer Chukwuka, Miracle Ezechukwu, Rosemary Nwankwo, Maria Omokwe, and Blessing Ogundiran.
The men’s 4x400m team includes Samson Nathaniel, Emmanuel Ojeli, Chidi Okezie, alongside Ezekiel Azukwo, Gafari Badmus, and Victor Ime.
For the women’s 4x400m relay, Nigeria will rely on Patience Okon-George, Anita Enaruna, Toheebat Jimoh, Taiwo Kudoro, Jecinta Lawrence, and Esther Okon.
Nigeria will also compete in the mixed relays, combining top talents from both the men’s and women’s squads in the 4x100m and 4x400m events.
The World Relays in Gaborone offers Team Nigeria a vital opportunity to fine-tune combinations and test their readiness against elite global competition ahead of upcoming international championships.
