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Relay crisis deepens as Nigeria misses out on 2026 World Relays spots

Posted : 06 April 2026

Nigeria’s relay programme has come under fresh scrutiny after the country failed to secure automatic qualification in four events for the 2026 World Relays in Gaborone.

Competing in Botswana over the weekend, Team Nigeria fell short in the men’s and women’s 4x100m, as well as the mixed 4x400m relays, leaving only a slim hope in the men’s 4x400m, which remains in a delicate position.

With the qualification deadline closing on April 5, Nigeria’s chances of adding more events to its roster are officially over.

The country will now be represented in just three of the six relay categories — the mixed 4x100m, women’s 4x400m, and men’s 4x400m.

The disappointing outcome has raised concerns about preparation and structure, particularly the decision to have a single coach — the technical director — oversee four relay teams during the qualifiers.

Many observers believe this significantly affected performance and coordination across events.

This latest setback continues a worrying trend for Nigerian athletics. At last year’s World Championships in Tokyo, the nation failed to field a relay team for the first time in years — an absence that now appears less like an anomaly and more like a warning sign.

As the countdown to Gaborone begins, attention will likely shift from qualification battles to deeper questions about planning, staffing, and the future of Nigeria’s once-dominant relay squads.

The implications of these missed spots extend beyond the immediate tournament, affecting the nation's ranking and funding for the upcoming Olympic cycle. Urgent reforms and a more robust technical framework are now required to restore the country's prestige on the global athletics stage.

 

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