An experienced member of Nigeria’s athletics team, George Patience Okon is exuding confidence over the chances of the country’s relay squads to pick tickets for the world championship this weekend in Gaborone, Botswana.
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Sports247 gathered that Nigeria will be in the hunt for four slots to the 2026 World Relays Championship at the qualification races on Saturday in Gaborone, and Patience Okon spoke confidently that the task will be accomplished by the contingent.
Her comments were relayed in a press release by the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) media committee chairman, Maxwell Kumoye, who stated that a total of 15 athletes and three officials made the trip to Gaborone.
The AFN spokesman also disclosed that the track and field body’s secretary-general, Israel Inwang confirmed that a key member of the team, Enoch Adegoke will fly straight from Germany to meet the delegation in Botswana’s capital.
Kumoye revealed further that Nigeria will compete in men’s 4x100m and 4x400m, as well as women’s and mixed 4x400m races, with the aim of securing tickets to the global championship slated for May at the same venue.
Sports247 gathered that the Nigerian women’s and mixed 4x100m relay teams have both already secured tickets for the global event, leaving the other four quartets to get slots as well, which Patience Okon believes will be achieved on Saturday.
The powerful quartermiler, who is one of the most experienced athletes in the team, declared: “This race means a lot to me and the team. We are going there to give our best. With that, we believe we will qualify for the World Championships.”
Her optimism is shared by Victor Ime, who said: “It’s a big task for us. We made an attempt in Calabar and ran 3:04, but this is another big opportunity. With the team we have now, I believe we can secure qualifications.”
The youngest member of the team, Jecinter Lawrence also expressed confidence in their chances and admitted her delight at the opportunity to represent Nigeria at this level.
