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.
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.
04:01 - 23.03.2024
African Games: New media darling Omolara Ogunmakinju anchors 4x400m squad to Nigeria's last athletics GOLD medal
Omolara Ogunmakinju won another gold medal for Nigeria in the women's 4x400m on the last day of athletics at the African Games.
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.
20:19 - 23.04.2024
African Games champions and NCAA athletes dominate Team Nigeria list to World Relays in Bahamas
Check out the full list of Team Nigeria to the World Relays in Bahamas.
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.
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.
20:25 - 20.03.2024
African Games: Nigeria wins battle against Ghana as men's 4x100m team strikes GOLD in Accra
Nigerian men's 4x100m relay squad got their revenge against Ghana in a pulsating race to win the GOLD medal at the African Games in Accra.
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.
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.
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.
08:37 - 21.03.2024
African Games: Chidi Okezie emulates idol Innocent Egbunike, wins Nigeria's first gold medal in 37 years
Chidi Okezie became Nigeria's first African Games 400m champion since the legendary Innocent Egbunike did it in 1987.
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.
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.
16:51 - 20.03.2024
[WATCH] Nigerian athlete chase down her opponent turning Silver into GOLD in the mixed 4x400m Relay final
With 30m to go trailing Botswana, Nigeria's Omolara Ogunmakinju did the unbelievable by chasing down her opponent and winning the Gold medal. This is arguably one of the greatest relay races in history.
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.
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.