3.5.2026
Youthful Team Nigeria dominated by home base athletes has secured two additional tickets to the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China.
The additional tickets were secured in the 4×100m women and 4×400m mixed relay on the final day of the World Relay Championship at a packed National Stadium Gaborone, Botswana on Sunday.
Against the backdrop of missing international stars, Nigeria’s locally trained athletes seized their moment, showcasing depth, resilience, and raw speed to secure three relay qualifications for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing.
The tone was set on the opening day when the mixed 4x100m quartet of Favour Ashe, Obi Jennifer Chukwuka, Chidera Ezeakor, and Maria Thompson Omokwe produced a historic run.
Their blistering 40.24 seconds not only secured victory but also set a new African record, underlining the growing strength of Nigeria’s home circuit.
It was a landmark achievement, earning the country a first-ever ticket in the event ahead of its debut at the world championships.
The mixed 4x400m team, anchored by Chidi Okezie alongside Nathaniel Ezekiel, Taiwo Mary Kudoro, and Patience Okon George, delivered a composed and tactical race.
Their season’s best of 3:12.88 was more than enough to clinch qualification, further highlighting the team’s cohesion despite limited preparation time together.
The women’s 4x100m team also embodied the fighting spirit of the home contingent. After a costly baton mishap on day one, the quartet bounced back in style, clocking 42.94 seconds, Nigeria’s fastest since the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Teenage sensation, Miracle Ezechukwu anchor led the charge, confirming her status as one of the brightest prospects emerging from the domestic scene.