Team Nigeria have received a timely boost in their quest for relay qualification ahead of the World Athletics Relays 2026, following clarification from Botswana Athletics Association over the status of the national trials beginning today in Gaborone, Sports Extra reports.
The Nigerian team, currently in Botswana for the national trials scheduled from Friday to Sunday, had faced uncertainty over whether performances at the event would count towards World Athletics qualification, amid claims that the championships were not listed on the global body’s official calendar.
However, acting president of Botswana Athletics Association, Theetso Oabona, dismissed the concerns, insisting that national championships are automatically recognised provided they are included in a country’s official calendar.
He refuted the earlier claims in a conversation with our correspondent on Thursday, stating, “This is not true, very false and misleading.”
Oabona further explained that the structure of the competition limits participation to Botswana athletes in individual events, while Nigeria’s presence is strictly for relay preparations, and they are the only foreign team involved.
“National championships for all countries as long as they appear on their year calendars, they are automatically recognised by the World Athletics,” he noted.
“Only Nigeria is here, and it is for relays only. Our national championships are closed, so they can’t compete in open races.”
Nigeria remained in Gaborone after competing at the Lefika International Relays, using the trials as an additional opportunity to secure remaining qualification spots.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria has also strengthened the squad with the inclusion of home-based athletes Miracle Ezechukwu, Ezekiel Asuquo and Rosemary Nwankwo, as part of efforts to improve depth and competitiveness.
Nigeria have already secured qualification in three of the six events, including the women’s 4x400m, mixed 4x100m and men’s 4x400m, but is targeting additional slots in the women’s 4x100m, men’s 4×100 and mixed 4x400m while refining performance levels.
The confirmation of the trials’ recognition by World Athletics has therefore removed a key uncertainty, allowing Nigeria to focus fully on their relay ambitions as they push towards securing a stronger presence at the global event.