Team Nigeria Secures Three Relay Tickets for Beijing 2027 World Athletics Championships

Posted : 04 May 2026

Team Nigeria delivered an inspired performance at the 2026 World Relays in Gaborone, Botswana. The contingent secured three qualification spots for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing. Despite the absence of several high-profile international stars, the largely home-based squad proved their depth on the global stage.

The success began on the opening day with a historic run in the mixed 4x100m relay. The quartet of Favour Ashe, Jennifer Obi Chukwuka, Chidera Ezeakor, and Maria Thompson Omokwe clocked 40.24 seconds. This blistering performance set a new African record and earned Nigeria its first-ever ticket in this specific event.

Momentum continued through the final day as the team secured two additional spots via the repechage rounds. The mixed 4x400m relay team finished second in their heat with a season's best time of 3:12.88. Anchored by Chidi Okezie, the group showed great composure to hold off pressure from Germany and seal their Beijing qualification.

The women’s 4x100m team also found redemption after a difficult start to the tournament. Following a baton mishap on the first day, the quartet bounced back with a season's best of 42.94 seconds. Rosemary Nwankwo, Jennifer Chukwuka, Maria Thompson-Omokwe, and Miracle Ezechukwu finished second behind France to book their place.

However, the competition brought mixed results for the rest of the Nigerian contingent. The men’s 4x100m team narrowly missed out after finishing third in their repechage heat. Similarly, the men’s 4x400m squad fell just short of a qualifying spot despite a strong closing leg.

The performances in Gaborone have sparked renewed optimism for the future of Nigerian athletics. The mixed 4x100m team has also earned a spot at the upcoming Ultimate Championship in Budapest. These results highlight the strength of the domestic circuit and the potential of Nigeria's emerging talents.

Athletes will have further opportunities to qualify in the remaining categories later this year. The prospect of merging these in-form local stars with returning international professionals looks promising for Beijing. For now, the three confirmed tickets mark a successful outing for the national team.

Team Nigeria Secures Three Relay Tickets for Beijing 2027 World Athletics Championships

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