Abuja, Nigeria | April 2, 2026
Team Nigeria has strengthened its squad ahead of the Botswana National Trials, with three additional home-based athletes — Miracle Ezechukwu, Ezekiel Asuquo, and Rosemary Nwankwo — joining the national contingent for the competition scheduled from April 3 to 5.
The latest additions underscore the deliberate efforts by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), with strong backing from the National Sports Commission (NSC), to build a more competitive and sustainable athletics programme driven by local talent development.
This strategic direction marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s athletics landscape, which for many years has relied heavily on foreign-based athletes for international competitions. The renewed focus on home-grown stars reflects a broader vision to nurture athletes within the country and prepare them to compete successfully on the global stage.
According to the Chairman of the AFN Media Committee, Maxwell Kumoye, the Botswana trials represent a crucial phase in Team Nigeria’s build-up to the 2026 World Athletics Relays.
Nigeria has already secured qualification in four relay events, namely the women’s 4x100m, women’s 4x400m, mixed 4x100m, and men’s 4x400m. The immediate objective in Botswana is to secure more relay slots while also refining team chemistry and race execution.
Training sessions in camp have been intensive, with athletes undergoing rigorous baton exchange drills, tactical rehearsals, and relay combination assessments under the supervision of Technical Director Gabriel Okon.
Kumoye noted that beyond the quest for qualification, the trials present an opportunity to further deepen Nigeria’s talent pool and reinforce the country’s identity as a formidable force in relay events.
“This is bigger than qualification alone. It is about building depth, strengthening our relay culture, and positioning Nigeria as a powerhouse built on both international and home-based excellence,” he said.
This statement is signed by Maxwell Kumoye, Chairman, Media Committee, Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).