Home-based stars take centre stage as Nigeria eyes relay gains in Botswana

Posted : 03 April 2026

Team Nigeria’s build-up to the Botswana National Trials (April 3–5) is telling a new story—one driven by belief in home-grown talent and a deliberate shift in development strategy.

The arrival of three additional home-based athletes, Miracle Ezechukwu, Ezekiel Asuquo, and Rosemary Nwankwo, has further strengthened the Nigerian squad, reinforcing the Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s (AFN) renewed commitment to nurturing athletes within the country.

Backed by the National Sports Commission (NSC), this approach marks a significant departure from the long-standing reliance on foreign-based competitors. Instead, the focus is now on creating a sustainable pipeline of locally trained athletes capable of competing and excelling on the global stage.

The Botswana trials present a critical opportunity, serving not just as a competition but as a platform to validate this evolving philosophy.

According to AFN Media Committee chairman Maxwell Kumoye, the stakes go beyond qualification.

With the World Athletics Relays 2026 on the horizon, Nigeria is already assured of spots in four events—the women’s 4x100m, women’s 4x400m, mixed 4x100m, and men’s 4x400m.

However, the objective in Botswana extends further: to secure additional relay slots while fine-tuning team chemistry.

Inside the camp, preparations reflect urgency and ambition. Under Technical Director Gabriel Okon, athletes are undergoing intensive baton exchange drills, tactical adjustments, and lineup experiments aimed at maximizing performance.

Yet, beyond medals and qualification, a deeper transformation is underway. Nigeria is actively building depth, forging a distinct relay identity, and laying the foundation for a future where success is powered as much by home-based athletes as it is by those abroad.

In Botswana, the mission is clear but the message is even clearer: Nigerian athletics is evolving, and its next generation is ready to rise.

This strategic emphasis on domestic talent underscores a pivotal moment for the nation's sporting future. By investing in local athletes and refining relay techniques on international soil, the AFN is ensuring long-term competitiveness. As the team takes to the track in Botswana, the focus remains firmly on achieving excellence and proving the strength of Nigeria's grassroots development.

Home-based stars take centre stage as Nigeria eyes relay gains in Botswana

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