Nigeria has officially named a formidable lineup for the 2025 World Athletics Relays, confirming participation in four of the six marquee events set to take place in Guangzhou, China, from May 10–11.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) announced on Wednesday that Team Nigeria will contest the men’s and women’s 4×100 metres relays, the mixed 4×400 metres relay, and the globally debuting 4×100 metres mixed relay—an exciting addition to the international athletics calendar.
Leading the charge in the men’s 4×100 metres is a powerhouse squad comprising Alaba Akintola, Udodi Onwuzurike, Favour Ashe, Karlington Anunagba, Folawiyo Olaoye, and Usheoritshe Itshekiri—names already etched into the continent’s sprinting elite.
On the women’s side, the 4×100 metres relay team boasts a sensational mix of speed and experience, featuring Rosemary Chukwuma, Success Umukoro, Tiana Eyakpobeyan, Favour Ofili, Jennifer Obi, and world 100m hurdles record-holder and sprint sensation, Tobi Amusan.
For the 4×400 metres mixed relay, Nigeria will field a balanced blend of endurance and explosive speed: Chidi Okezie, Emmanuel Ojeli, Samson Nathaniel, Patience Okon, Praise Idamadudu, and Omolara Ogunmakinju.
The 4×100 metres mixed relay squad will be drawn from a versatile pool of sprinters including Ashe, Akintola, Onwuzurike, Chukwuma, Ofili, and Umukoro—offering strategic flexibility ahead of the event’s historic global debut.
AFN Secretary Israel Inwang Mfon explained that Nigeria’s decision to compete in four events was driven by performance data and medal potential.
“Our approach is focused and calculated. We’ve chosen events where Nigeria has a competitive edge and real prospects for podium finishes,” Mfon stated. “This is about smart selections, not just participation.”
Nigeria’s qualification for the World Relays was secured through top-tier performances at the 2024 African Games in Accra and designated Olympic trials at the Stade de France—proving the team’s credentials on both continental and global stages.
Guangzhou 2025 marks the seventh edition of the World Athletics Relays and the first time the event will be hosted in China, following memorable editions in the Bahamas, Japan, and Poland.
Of particular note this year is the debut of the 4×100 metres mixed relay—a dynamic race featuring a woman-woman-man-man order. While world records for the event will only be officially recognized from 2026, performances in Guangzhou will set the benchmark for future editions and feed into the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest in 2026.
Each participating nation can list up to eight athletes per relay event, with four selected to run each race—giving teams tactical options to adapt and excel.
With some of Africa’s fastest athletes and strategic event selection, Team Nigeria heads into the 2025 World Relays not just to compete, but to contend.
As the countdown to Guangzhou begins, Nigerian fans will be hoping their stars shine brightest on the global stage.
