Nigeria Women Sprint Into Botswana For 2026 World Relays
Nigeria Qualifies for World Relays After MTN CHAMPS Triumph
NIGERIA’S women’s 4x400m relay team has officially qualified for the 2026 World Relays Championships in Botswana following a standout performance at the MTN CHAMPS in Calabar.
The team, featuring Patience Okon-George, Anita Enaruna, Treasure Okereke, and Jecinter Lawrence, crossed the finish line in 3:31.14, securing the 21st position in the global rankings and displacing Mexico. Their qualification represents a continued upward trajectory for Nigerian female sprinters, marking the second time MTN CHAMPS has served as a qualifying platform for the nation.
The men’s 4x400m relay team narrowly missed the cut, finishing just over a second short of the qualifying mark, reflecting the intense competition at this elite level.
Individual brilliance was also on display, as Toheebat Jimoh recorded a personal best of 24.51 seconds to win the women’s 200m, while Samuel Kure impressed in the men’s javelin with a 77.50m throw. These performances underscore Nigeria’s growing depth in track and field, combining experienced athletes with emerging talent.
With the World Relays in May approaching, the women’s relay squad will now focus on fine-tuning their baton exchanges, race strategies, and overall cohesion. Their MTN CHAMPS success not only boosts confidence but also signals Nigeria’s determination to make a mark on the international athletics stage.
