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Team Nigeria’s athletics team is set for a crucial test of speed and depth as it competes in Botswana for the National Trials scheduled for April 3-5, with its eyes firmly set on increasing its qualification tally for the upcoming World Athletics Relays 2026.
Nigeria has already secured places in four relay events, the women’s 4x100m, women’s 4x400m, mixed 4x100m and men’s 4x400m, but the mission in Botswana is clear: add more tickets and fine-tune combinations before the global showdown in May.
Under the watchful eye of AFN technical director Gabriel Okon, the team has been in high spirits on the training ground, with athletes fine-tuning their baton exchanges and race strategies for what promises to be a fiercely competitive outing.
As Nigeria chases qualification targets, host nation Botswana is preparing for its own spectacle when the Botswana National Athletics Championships take center stage at the National Stadium.
The event will also serve as the country’s final selection test for the relays, raising the stakes for local athletes.
All eyes will be on Botswana’s formidable men’s 4x400m relay team, led by sprint sensation Letsile Tebogo, alongside Bayapo Ndori and Collen Kebinatshipi, as they look to leave a marker at home.
Middle distance stars Tshepiso Masalela and Kemorena Tisang are also expected to light up the track, while the women’s field with Same Mohutsiwa and Naledi Monthe promises fireworks.
Botswana Athletics Association Acting President Oabona Theetso has expressed confidence that this year’s championships will deliver top-notch performances, noting that improved scheduling has allowed elite athletes to compete without clashing with European competitions.
With both nations bringing firepower to the track, the Botswana qualifiers are shaping up to be more than just a selection event – it’s a dress rehearsal for relay glory, and Team Nigeria will look to leave with momentum, confidence and possibly more tickets to the world stage.
