By JOE APU
Nigeria’s relay squad has received a timely boost with the inclusion of three home-based athletes—Miracle Ezechukwu, Ezekiel Asuquo, and Rosemary Nwankwo—ahead of the Botswana National Trials scheduled for April 3–5.
Their arrival further strengthens a contingent that reflects a deliberate shift by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), supported by the National Sports Commission (NSC), towards building a more balanced team rooted in homegrown talent.
For years, Nigeria’s athletics success has largely depended on foreign-based stars. However, the AFN is now charting a new course, placing greater emphasis on developing and trusting athletes competing within the country to perform on the international stage.
According to AFN Media Committee Chairman, Maxwell Kumoye, the Botswana trials represent a crucial assessment platform as Nigeria intensifies preparations for the World Athletics Relays 2026.
With the global competition approaching, Team Nigeria is already qualified in four events—the women’s 4x100m, women’s 4x400m, mixed 4x100m, and men’s 4x400m relays—but the focus remains on securing additional slots and improving team performance.
Training camp sessions have reportedly been intense, with Technical Director Gabriel Okon overseeing drills focused on baton exchanges, race execution, and team combinations to enhance competitiveness.
Kumoye noted that the broader objective goes beyond qualification, emphasizing the development of depth and a strong national identity.
“Beyond the qualification spots, something bigger is unfolding. This is about depth. This is about identity. It is about Nigeria building a formidable relay force powered not just by diaspora talent, but by athletes groomed on home soil—hungry, prepared, and ready,” he said.
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