Team Nigeria blaze to World Relays qualification as Kenya push hard in Botswana

By Maxwell Kumoye 
 
 
 

Team Nigeria stamped their authority on the track with a commanding display at the Lefika International Relays in Botswana, clocking a blistering 41.44s to win the 4×100m mixed relay and edge closer to qualification for the 2026 World Athletics Relays.

The Nigerian quartet of Chidera Ezeakor, Maria Thompson Omokwe, Emmanuel James Taiwo and Jennifer Obi Chukwuka, delivered a near-flawless race, combining explosive speed with smooth baton exchanges to finish ahead of a fast-closing Kenyan side led by Ferdinand Omanyala. 

Their winning time not only secured victory but significantly strengthened Nigeria’s push for a spot at the World Relays in Gaborone from May 2–3, 2026.

Kenya, powered by Omanyala’s opening burst and anchored by Mercy Oketch, crossed in 41.70s to finish second, a performance that also boosted their qualification hopes. 

The result lifted them to 13th in the global “Road to Botswana” rankings, displacing Spain and putting them on the brink of qualification, provided they hold their position until April 5.

Despite Kenya’s historic outing, the spotlight firmly remained on Team Nigeria, whose dominant run reaffirmed their status as one of the teams to beat heading into the qualification window. 

With momentum on their side, Nigeria now look poised to secure their ticket to Gaborone and potentially challenge for podium honours on the global stage.

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