World Relays: X-raying Team Nigeria's chances in Bahamas

The women's 4x400m gold-medal winning quartet at the African Games in Ghana. Photo Credit - @gettyimages

World Relays: X-raying Team Nigeria's chances in Bahamas

Funmilayo Fameso 08:11 - 02.05.2024

Preview of Team Nigeria's chances at the upcoming World Relays in Bahamas.

Team Nigeria has formidable squads with so much potential that can cause upsets at the World Relays in the Bahamas.

The glamorous World Relays scheduled to take center stage from May 4th - 5th in the Bahamas, is the crucial Paris Olympic qualifying team events for the top-performing athletes from more than 40 countries. 

Bahamas will host the 2024 World Relays

As such, Nigeria will be present as one of the underdogs against the big guns such as USA, Netherlands, Italy, and Jamaica, having a plethora of athletes that can do damage against the rest of the world.

The recently concluded African Games in Ghana laid a strong case for the possibility of regaining their status as a powerhouse relay country after dominating with four gold (men and women's 4x100m, women's 4x400m, and mixed 4x400m) and a silver medal (men's 4x400m) at the end of the continental showpiece.

While this may seem impressive, note that they excelled with arguably their B teams. With the World Relays set to be a bigger atmosphere and more at stake, Nigeria will surely be in the Bahamas to secure Olympic tickets and as medal contenders against the big guns.

Women's 4x100m relay squad

Nigeria effortlessly won this event at the African Games in 43.05s, using a less accomplished trio of Tiana Eyakpobeyan, Olayinka Olajide, Moforehan Abinusawa, and World 100mH Record holder Tobi Amusan.

Nigeria's women's 4x100m team won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham

This team, without sub-11s runners, made a statement against the US-nationalized Liberian squad. With the expected infusion of Favour Ofili (who has windy 10.78s and legal 22.33s this season), LSU's Tima Godbless, and perhaps Rosemary Chukwuma (a sub-11s sprinter with 11.12s this year), the team will surely evolve into world beaters and tipped to punch their Olympic ticket or a podium finish.

Men's 4x100m relay squad

Unarguably one of the world's most talented relay pools, the sprint squad have at least two teams that can get the job done in Bahamas.

Favour Ashe (9.99s) and LSU's Godson Brume will be absent due to visa issues. Notwithstanding, the remaining squad is still capable of getting the job done. 

Usheoritse Itsekiri, Udodi Onwuzurike, Alaba Akintola, Consider Ekanem, Israel Okon Sunday, Seye Ogunlewe, and Karlington Anunagba have got the potential to deliver the expected results on their good day and even cause an upset by winning a medal.

Nigeria's gold medal-winning quartet of Usheoritse Itsekiri, Consider Ekanem, Israel Okon, and Alaba Akintola at the African Games in Ghana

The perfect leg selections and smooth baton exchange will be of utmost importance in this regard, and from thereon they're capable of anything.

Women's 4x400m

The team led by veteran Patience George, youngster Esther Elo Joseph, LSU standout Ella Onojuvwevwo, Brittany Ogunmokun, Esther Okon, and perhaps Omolara Ogunmakinju with a Season's Best (SB) of 3:27.29 can challenge for a Paris automatic ticket and medal position.

The Nigerian women's 4x400m quartet: Esther Joseph, Omolara Ogunmakinju, Patience George, and Brittany Ogunmakinju

They will contend with the Netherlands, USA, Great Britain, Poland, and Italy - favourites for the podium finish, which is well within their grasp as they did by surprisingly winning the bronze medal in 2015.

Men's 4x400m

Not too many expectations for this team, but they have what it takes to stun the world with a squad of young, talented runners.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) selected the team of Chidi Okezie, Samuel Ogazi and Ezekiel Nathaniel (under probability), Dubem Amene - who have all gone below the 45.8s mark this season. While Dubem Nwachukwu, Emmanuel Ojeli, Sikiru Adewale, and Samson Nathaniel won't just be squad members but can pose a threat when given the chance.

Team Nigeria's quartet of Dubem Nwachukwu, Samuel Ogazi, Ezekiel Nathaniel, and Chidi Okezie (L-R)

The Nigerian men's 4x400m team are the underdogs but can leave as worthy Paris ticket holders.

Mixed 4x400m

Nigeria's brightest chance of medalling, as they're the world leaders in the event with an iconic African Record of 3:13.26 set to win gold in Ghana.

Their biggest threats to stop that dream will be the Netherlands, Italy, Poland, the USA, Bahrain, Botswana, Jamaica, and home country Bahamas.

With AFN's selected squad of Chidi Okezie, Samuel Ogazi, Omolara Ogunmakinju, and Ezekiel Nathaniel (under probability), Esther Elo Joseph, Ella Onojuvwevwo, and Patience George, they're still capable of making their dreams come true.

The Nigerian mixed relay team of Sikiru Adeyemi, Omolara Ogunmakinju, Patience George, and Ifeanyi Ojeli

If all athletes are fit and present, Nigerians can trust them to give a fight and give that World Relays medal that has eluded the country since 2015. 

Meanwhile, the coaches selected to head Team Nigeria are Gabriel Okon and Endurance Ojokolo, while LSU's legendary head coach Dennis Shaver is also reported to be joining the team.

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