Nigerian Athletics Federation Selects Strong Team for 2024 World Athletics Relays in Bahamas

The Nigerian Athletics Federation (AFN) has announced a formidable team to represent the country at the World Athletics Relays 2024, set to take place from May 4-5 in Nassau, Bahamas. The event will serve as the primary qualification pathway for relay events at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.

Leading the Nigerian contingent in the men's 4x100m event are sprinters Godson Oghenebrume and Udodi Onwuzurike. They will be joined by Alaba Akintola, Karlingthon Anunagba, Consider Ekanem, Seye Ogunlewe, and Israel Okon Sunday. The team's objective is to secure a spot for Nigeria in the 4x100m relay at the Paris Olympics, a feat the nation last achieved in 2008.

In the men's 4x400m, Chidi Okezie will spearhead the team, which also includes Sikiru Adeyemi, Dubem Amene, Ezekiel Nathaniel, Samson Nathaniel, Dubem Nwanchukwu, Samuel Ogazi, and Ifeanyi Ojeli.

The women's 4x100m team boasts the star power of hurdler Tobi Amusan and sprinter Favour Ofili. Rosemary Chukwuma, Justina Eyakpobeyan, Tima Godbless Elo Blessing, and Olayinka Olajide round out the squad. In the women's 4x400m, Omolara Ogunmakinju, Ella Onojuvwevwo, Elo Joseph, and Patience Okon George aim to qualify Nigeria for the event at the Olympics for the first time since London 2012.

Interestingly, Favour Ashe, considered Nigeria's fastest male athlete this year, was not included in the final entry list by the AFN.

Why this matters: The World Athletics Relays serve as a crucial qualifying event for the 2024 Paris Olympics. A strong performance by the Nigerian team could secure the nation's participation in the relay events at the Games, enhancing the country's medal prospects and global standing in athletics.

The Nigerian team will be guided by top coaches Gabriel Okon and Endurance Ojokolo. The home-based athletes and officials have already visited the U.S. embassy in Abuja for visa processing. "The team is tasked with securing a spot for Nigeria in the relay events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which the country has not achieved since 2008 and 2012 respectively," stated an AFN official. With the World Relays being the main Olympic qualifying event for the relays, the Nigerian team must finish among the top 14 to automatically qualify for the Paris Games.

Key Takeaways

• Nigeria announces team for World Athletics Relays 2024 in Bahamas.
• Team aims to qualify for 2024 Paris Olympics relay events, last achieved in 2008/2012.
• Top athletes like Tobi Amusan and Favour Ofili to represent Nigeria in 4x100m and 4x400m.
• Fastest male athlete Favour Ashe not included in final entry list.
• Nigeria must finish top 14 to automatically qualify for Paris Olympics relay events.