Sport NewsSports

Nigeria Targets World Championship Spots at World Relays in China

Nigeria’s track and field team is setting its sights on a strong performance at the World Relays in China, as the country works to secure spots for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. The relay competition, which will take place from May 10 to 11, is a crucial qualifying event for the global championships.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) officially unveiled the team on Wednesday, with top athletes like Tobi Amusan and Favour Ofili leading the charge. Amusan, the world record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, and Ofili, a 200m finalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics, are key members of the women’s 4x100m relay team.

According to Samuel Onikeku, AFN’s Technical Director, the goal is not just participation but to qualify in events where Nigeria stands the best chance of winning. “We are not just going there to participate. We’re targeting events where we can truly compete for qualification,” he said during an interview with Sure 97.5FM.

Along with Amusan and Ofili, the women’s 4x100m team includes Rosemary Chukwuma, Tiana Eyakpobeyan, Success Umukoro, and Jennifer Chukwuka Obi. Nigeria will also compete in the men’s 4x100m, the 4x400m mixed relay, and the new 4x100m mixed relay.

See also  Nigeria Refuses to Play in Libya Amid Allegations of Poor Treatment as Algeria and Cameroon Qualify for AFCON

The men’s 4x100m squad includes promising sprinters such as Alaba Akintola, Udodi Onwuzurike, Favour Ashe, Karlington Anunagba, Folawiyo Olaoye, and Usheoritshe Itshekiri. For the mixed 4x400m, athletes like Chidi Okezie, Ifeanyin Ojeli, Samson Nathaniel, George Patience Okon, Praise Idamadudu, and Omolara Ogunmakinju will represent the nation.

In the new 4x100m mixed relay, team members will be selected from a talent pool including Favour Ashe, Alaba Akintola, Udodi Onwuzurike, Rosemary Chukwuma, Favour Ofili, and Success Umukoro. The teams aim to rank among the top 14 at the World Relays in Guangzhou or qualify through world rankings at the end of the qualification window.

So far, seven Nigerian athletes have already booked places at the Tokyo World Championships in eight individual events. These include Amusan (100m hurdles), Ofili (200m), Ezekiel Nathaniel (400m and 400m hurdles), Samuel Ogazi (400m), Tima Godbless (200m), and Ella Onojuvwevwo (400m).

How does Nigeria qualify for the World Championships through the World Relays?
To secure a ticket to the World Championships, Nigerian relay teams must finish in the top 14 at the World Relays in China. If they do not, they can still qualify based on their global rankings before the end of the qualification window.

See also  Romelu Lukaku Takes Tammy Abraham's Vacant No 9 Jersey at Chelsea

Tips and Recommendations:

  • Nigerian athletes should focus on baton exchange techniques, which often make or break relay events.
  • Athletes and coaches should closely monitor competitors’ times to better strategize for ranking-based qualification.
  • Fans and stakeholders should give moral and financial support to motivate the team.

Nigeria’s chances look bright with a blend of experienced stars and emerging talents. With the World Relays just weeks away, all eyes will be on Team Nigeria to deliver strong performances and claim their spots at the 2025 World Championships.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *