World Athletics has identified Nigeria as one of the leading contenders in the mixed 4x100m relay ahead of the World Relays in Gaborone today, citing the country’s recent record-breaking performance as evidence of its medal potential.
The global governing body noted that the discipline, which made its debut last year, will return at the World Athletics Relays scheduled for May 2 to 3 in Botswana, where 24 federations are set to compete for qualification places and honours in what is expected to be a fiercely contested event.
According to World Athletics, the stakes are high, with the top six teams in Gaborone securing automatic qualification for the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest in September, while 12 teams will progress to the World Athletics Championships in Beijing in 2027.
Nigeria enters the competition with growing confidence after a landmark outing at the Lefika International Relays in Gaborone in March, where the quartet of Chidera Ezeakor, Maria Omokwe, James Emmanuel and Jennifer Chukwuka set a new African record of 41.44 seconds to win the mixed 4x100m event.
That performance not only secured victory ahead of continental rivals Kenya but also elevated Nigeria from 22nd to 12th in the global qualification rankings, placing the country firmly within the top 24 required for World Relays participation.
World Athletics highlighted that achievement as a key indicator of Nigeria’s readiness to challenge the traditional sprinting powers, particularly as the same venue will host the upcoming global event.
Nigeria could further strengthen its squad with potential adjustments, including the introduction of established sprinters such as Enoch Adegoke or Favour Ashe, which could enhance both depth and experience within the team.
While Nigeria’s rise has drawn attention, the competition remains formidable.
Defending champions Canada return after winning the inaugural title in Guangzhou last year with a time of 40.30s, while Jamaica and Great Britain, who finished second and third respectively, are also set to compete again.
Jamaica’s squad is bolstered by high-profile names including Elaine Thompson-Herah, Shericka Jackson and Ackeem Blake, alongside twins Tia and Tina Clayton.
The United States, reigning world champions in both the men’s and women’s 4x100m relays, have also posted the fastest mixed relay times of the season so far, recording 40.84 and 40.93s in Gainesville in April, with athletes such as Samirah Moody, Max Thomas, Elija Godwin and Paris Peoples expected to feature.
Australia, Italy, France, China and Belgium are among other nations with strong credentials, while New Zealand will make its debut appearance in the World Relays, adding further depth to the field.
Despite the strength of the opposition, World Athletics maintains that Nigeria’s proven ability in Gaborone, combined with its upward trajectory in the discipline, positions the country as a genuine contender for both qualification and a podium finish.
The governing body also noted that team selections remain flexible, with athletes entered in other events eligible to be drafted into the mixed relay squad, potentially influencing final line-ups and race dynamics.
With qualification for major global championships on the line and momentum on their side, Nigeria will look to build on its historic African record as it seeks to translate promise into podium success on the world stage.
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