Lagos camp open ignites Nigeria's World Relays push

Dayo Awoniyi / April 20, 2026 / 6 Views

Lagos camp open ignites Nigeria's World Relays push

Team Nigeria’s preparations for the World Relays Championship gather momentum today as the national camp officially opens in Lagos ahead of the competition in Gaborone, Botswana.

The Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Gabriel Okon, is set to supervise the week long training programme designed to fine tune the athletes before the global showdown.

Foreign based athletes are expected to link up with the squad upon arrival in Gaborone, with the championship slated for May 2 and 3, 2026.

Meanwhile, it was a weekend of strong statements and sharpened intent as Africa’s finest lit up the track at the Addis Ababa Grand Prix, with several stars building momentum ahead of upcoming meets in Gaborone and Accra.

In the men’s 110m hurdles, Anthony Edward Jr stormed to victory in 13.61 seconds, fending off a spirited challenge from Yusuf Badawi, who clocked 13.76. Nigeria’s Musa Wisdom settled for third in 14.34, a performance that still keeps him in contention heading into the next leg of competition.

The women’s 400m delivered one of the standout performances of the meet, with Femi Adekoya blazing to a winning time of 50.28 seconds. Mercy Chebet followed in 51.38, while Nigeria’s veteran Patience Okon George crossed in 51.70 to claim third, showing experience and consistency on the continental stage.

In the men’s 400m, Botswana’s Justice Oratile stole the spotlight with an impressive 44.92 finish, holding off Ruathdel Nhial Gnange (45.53). Nigeria’s Nathaniel Samson clocked 45.89 to round out the podium in a tightly contested race.

The men’s 200m brought more fireworks, as Kenya’s Samuel Chege Waweru surged to victory in 20.63 seconds. Fellow Kenyan Zablon Ekwam secured second in 20.85, while Nigeria’s Chidi Okezie claimed third in 20.92 after a strong finish.

Off the track, Nigeria also had a strong presence in the stands, as Chief Tonobok Okowa, President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, attended the event as a special guest of the Ethiopian Athletics Federation highlighting growing collaboration across African athletics.

In a major boost for the sport on the continent, World Athletics has confirmed that Ethiopia will host a Gold Label Grand Prix in 2027, a move expected to further elevate the country’s status as a premier destination for elite track and field competition.

With the Addis Ababa outing now concluded, attention shifts firmly to Gaborone and Accra, where athletes will aim to build on their form.

For Team Nigeria, the signs are encouraging the performances point to a squad ready to compete strongly as the season gathers pace.

Full list of athletes expected in camp:

4×100 Men

Enoch Adegoke

James Taiwo Emmanuel

Chidera Ezeakor

Tejire Godwin

4×400m Men

Ezekiel Enoh Azukwo

Gafari Badmus

Victor Ime