By NANBAL PANPE
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has commended Nigeria’s relay teams for successfully qualifying in all events entered for the upcoming World Relays Championships scheduled for May in Gaborone, Botswana.
The Director-General of the Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, described the achievement as a major milestone for Nigerian athletics, saying it reflects the Commission’s strategic goals and collaboration with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
In a press statement signed by Mr. Kola Daniel, Special Assistant (Media) to the Director-General of the National Sports Commission and made available to The Nigerian Standard Newspapers, Olopade said: “This is a big moment for Nigerian athletics. The qualification of all our relay teams for the World Relays Championships clearly reflects well on the National Sports Commission’s investment in the Athletics Federation of Nigeria. It shows that our collaboration with sports federations is working and delivering real results.”
He added: “We are already focused on preparations for the championships in Gaborone this May. I want to appreciate AFN and our athletes for their tireless commitment. It is particularly exciting to see some of the young athletes we have been nurturing stepping up and playing key roles alongside our established stars. This gives us great confidence for the future of Nigerian athletics.”
The quartet of Emmanuel Ojeli, Samson Nathaniel, Victor Sampson, and Sikiru Adeyemi secured qualification for the men’s 4x400m at the Lefika International Relays held at the National Stadium in Gaborone, Botswana.
In the mixed 4x100m relay, the team of Maria Omokwe, Chidera Ezeakor, James T. Emmanuel, and Jennifer Obi Chukwuka also secured qualification in Gaborone.Nigeria’s women’s 4x400m relay team comprising Patience Okon George, Jecinter Lawrence, Anita Enaruna, and Treasure Okereke booked their place at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar during the MTN Champs Relays.
The NSC reaffirmed its commitment to sustained investment in athlete development, grassroots programmes, and international exposure in line with the Bola Ahmed Tinubu vision for Nigerian sports.