Team Nigeria targets World Relay Qualification as Okon, athletes express strong confidence ahead of Lefika Relays

Team Nigeria targets World Relay Qualification as Okon, athletes express strong confidence ahead of Lefika Relays

Team Nigeria departed Lagos on Wednesday for the Lefika International Relays in Gaborone, Botswana, as the country intensifies its push for qualification to the World Relay Championships later this year.

The contingent of 15 athletes and three officials will travel aboard Ethiopian Airlines, with a scheduled stopover in Addis Ababa before arriving in Gaborone on March 26.

The Secretary General of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Israel Inwang, told the media shortly before departure that the team is in high spirits ahead of Saturday’s all-important races.

Inwang, further noted that a key member of the team Enoch Adegoke will be joining the team. “ Adegoke will be flying straight to Gaborone from Germany,” the scribe added.

Nigeria will compete in four events at the meet, the men’s 4x100m, men’s and women’s 4x400m, and the mixed 4x400m relay, with a clear objective of securing qualification slots for the World Relay Championships slated for May, also in Gaborone.

AFN Technical Director, Gabriel Okon, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to qualify in multiple events, stressing the importance of synergy between home-based and overseas athletes.

“We need to build a strong blend of athletes at home and those abroad. Together, they can strengthen the team and deliver better results,” Okon said.

He added that the team is well-prepared and capable of competing at the highest level.

“With all things being equal, we will pick up qualification slots. The athletes have trained well, and I can confidently say they are ready,” he stated.

Notably, the women’s 4x100m and mixed 4x100m relay teams have already secured qualification for the global event, leaving the remaining squads to battle for available slots.

One of the most experienced athletes in the team, George Patience Okon, is optimistic about a strong performance.

“This race means a lot to me and the team. We are going there to give our best, and with that, we believe we will qualify for the World Championships later this year,” she said.

Her optimism is shared by Victor Ime, who believes this presents a crucial opportunity for the team.

“It’s a big task for us. We made an attempt in Calabar and ran 3:04, but this is another big opportunity. With the team we have now, I believe we can secure qualifications,” he said.

The team boasts a blend of youth and experience, with athletes such as Enaruna Anita Itohan, Badmus Gafari Atanda, Ezeakor Chidera, Emmanuel James Taiwo, Ojeli Ifeanyi Emmanuel, and George Patience Okon expected to play key roles.

Others on the roster include Nathaniel Samson, Adeyemi Sikiru Adewale, Sampson Victor Ime, Godwin Tejiri, Jecinter Lawrence, Chukwuka Obi Jennifer, and Omokwe Maria Thompson.

The youngest member of the team, Jecinter Lawrence, expressed excitement at the opportunity to represent Nigeria at this level.

Meanwhile, Technical Director Gabriel Okon expressed appreciation to the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) for their support.

“I want to thank the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, the Director General, Honourable Bukola Olopade, and AFN President Tonobok Okowa for their support. We are grateful for the funding and backing, and we hope for continued support,” he said.

Team Nigeria will be aiming to make a strong impact in Gaborone as they continue their build-up to the World Relay Championships.