The Athletics Federation of Nigeria has set its sights on securing qualifying tickets for the World Championships in Tokyo at the upcoming World Relays in China. Technical Director Samuel Onikeku revealed that the country’s objective is to challenge for top spots in the relay events and earn qualification for the World Championships.
The Nigerian contingent for the World Relays, which will take place from May 10 to 11 in China, boasts an impressive lineup, including women’s 100m hurdles record holder Tobi Amusan and Paris 2024 Olympics 200m finalist Favour Ofili.
The women’s 4x100m team, comprising Amusan, Ofili, Rosemary Chukwuma, Tiana Eyakpobeyan, Success Umukoro, and Jennifer Chukwuka Obi, is expected to be a formidable force.
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“We are participating in these four relays because those are the events we are able to challenge for. We just do not want to go and participate in world relays but to qualify for the world championships,” Onikeku said. “These are the best events that we could compete for.”
Nigeria will compete in four out of the six events at the World Relays, including the men’s 4x100m, 4x400m mixed relay, and the newly introduced 4x100m mixed relay. The relay teams can qualify for the World Championships by securing one of the top 14 places at the World Athletics Relays or by being one of the best-ranked teams at the end of the qualification window.
The men’s 4x100m squad features Alaba Akintola, Udodi Onwuzurike, Favour Ashe, Karlington Anunagba, Folawiyo Olaoye, and Usheoritshe Itshekiri. The 4x400m mixed relay team includes Chidi Okezie, Ifeanyin Ojeli, Samson Nathaniel, George Patience Okon, Praise Idamadudu, and Omolara Ogunmakinju.
Tobi Amusan will feature for team Nigeria at the World Athletics. (Photo credit: Getty Images)
Seven Nigerian athletes have already secured their spots in eight individual events at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. They are Amusan (women’s 100m hurdles), Ofili (women’s 200m), Ezekiel Nathaniel (men’s 400m and 400m hurdles), Samuel Ogazi (men’s 400m), Tima Godbless (women’s 200m), and Ella Onojuvwevwo (women’s 400m).
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With the 2025 World Championships set to take place from September 13 to 21 in Tokyo, Nigeria’s athletes have a clear target to work towards. The World Relays will be a crucial step in their journey, and a strong performance will not only earn them qualification but also boost their confidence and momentum heading into the World Championships.
