Team Nigeria Confirms Participation in Four Events at 2025 World Relays in China
Team Nigeria will take part in four events at the 2025 World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China, scheduled for May 10 and 11.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) shared the update via Instagram, stating that Nigeria will compete in the men’s 4×100 metres, women’s 4×100 metres, the 4×400 metres mixed relay, and the newly introduced 4×100 metres mixed relay. These four make up part of the six-event programme at the relays.
The men’s 4×100 metres team includes Alaba Akintola, Udodi Onwuzurike, Favour Ashe, Karlington Anunagba, Folawiyo Olaoye, and Usheoritshe Itshekiri. For the women’s 4×100 metres, the line-up features Rosemary Chukwuma, Success Umukoro, Tiana Eyakpobeyan, Favour Ofili, Jennifer Chukwuka Obi, and 100m hurdles world record holder Tobi Amusan.
In the 4×400 metres mixed relay, Nigeria will be represented by Chidi Okezie, Ifeanyin Ojeli, Samson Nathaniel, George Patience Okon, Praise Idamadudu, and Omolara Ogunmakinju. The 4×100 metres mixed relay team will be chosen from a pool including Favour Ashe, Alaba Akintola, Udodi Onwuzurike, Rosemary Chukwuma, Favour Ofili, and Success Umukoro.
Nigeria’s qualification came through a mix of performances, including designated races during the Paris 2024 Olympics at the Stade de France and top-list showings at the African Games in Ghana.
AFN Secretary Israel Inwang Mfon said the decision to compete in only four events was strategic, focusing on the country’s strengths and better medal chances.
“The federation placed priority on areas where we have comparative advantage and strong medal prospects,” he said.
This year’s edition is the seventh of the World Relays and the first to be held in China. Previous editions took place in the Bahamas, Japan, and Poland.
The 2025 edition will also mark the global debut of the 4×100 metres mixed relay. The event—featuring a woman-woman-man-man running order—will be recognised officially by World Athletics from January 1, 2026, with performances from Guangzhou used to set initial records. The event will also be part of the World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest in 2026.
Each nation may enter one team per event, with a maximum of eight athletes per team, from which four can be selected to race, giving room for tactical flexibility.
