According to The PUNCH, Tonobok Okowa, president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, has commended President Bola Tinubu for backing Nigeria’s triumphant performance at the World Relays in Gaborone, where the nation obtained several qualification tickets for the 2027 World Athletics Championships.
In addition to setting an earlier African record in the mixed 4×100-meter relay on the first day, Team Nigeria finished their campaign in Gaborone with four qualifying spots for the Beijing tournament.
In an interview with The PUNCH, Okowa reflected on the campaign and acknowledged that financial support was crucial to the team’s success. He also gave gratitude to the Federal Government and the National Sports Commission for guaranteeing timely preparations.
We were able to fly on schedule thanks to President Bola Tinubu, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, and Director General Bukola Olopade, he stated.
Okowa specifically praised President Tinubu, crediting the team’s successful qualification to the trip’s funding availability.
He went on, “In particular, I thank President Tinubu for making funds available for us to travel, and we have come out well.”
He went on to say that the team trained in Botswana for roughly two weeks prior to the competition, which he believes had a big impact on the outcomes, including qualifying for every relay event.
We traveled to Gaborone, Botswana, in an effort to obtain additional credentials,” he stated.
“After spending roughly two weeks there, we were able to achieve good results, which led to all six relay teams qualifying. We then returned here, where we were given ample accommodations and a good time.”
Additionally, the team qualified for the World Athletics Ultimate Championship, which will be held in Budapest later this year.
The women’s 4x100m team of Rosemary Nwankwo, Obi Chukwuka, Maria Thompson-Omokwe, and Miracle Ezechukwu recovered from earlier baton errors to secure a ticket with a season-best time of 42.94 seconds, while the mixed 4x400m quartet of Samson Nathaniel, Mary Kudoro, Chidi Okezie, and Patience Okon-George achieved a season-best time of 3:12.88 to finish second behind South Africa and qualify.
Nigeria, however, failed in other events; the women’s 4x400m team did not participate in the repechage, and the men’s 4x100m and 4x400m teams just missed qualifying.
Additionally, Okowa emphasized that home-based athletes—many of whom are still in secondary school—contribute positively to Nigerian sports’ future.
The athletes performed exceptionally well, particularly those who were based at home, according to Okowa.
“Among them are girls who are still in secondary school; they played a significant role in this, and it is evident that Nigerian athletics will have a bright future.”
In closing, Okowa praised the efforts of both coaches and athletes, highlighting the teamwork that resulted in Nigeria’s success in Gaborone.
“I want to thank all the athletes and coaches who worked hard to ensure that we are celebrating today,” he declared.
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