AFN fields strongest possible squads as mixed relay makes historic debut
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has announced a powerhouse lineup for the 2025 World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China, with Olympic and world champions leading the charge across four relay events from May 10-11.
Sprint Powerhouses Assembled:
- Men’s 4x100m: Olympic finalists Favour Ashe and Udodi Onwuzurike headline a blistering squad featuring Alaba Akintola and African Games medalist Usheoritshe Itshekiri
- Women’s 4x100m: World record hurdler Tobi Amusan joins forces with African champion Favour Ofili and rising star Success Umukoro
- Mixed 4x400m: Commonwealth Games medalists Chidi Okezie and Patience Okon lead Nigeria’s quarter-milers
- Historic Debut: Nigeria will contest the first-ever 4x100m mixed relay with Ashe/Ofili potentially anchoring
Strategic Selection:
AFN Secretary Israel Inwang Mfon explained the focused approach: “We’re prioritizing events where our depth guarantees podium contention.” The decision follows Nigeria’s dominant performances at both the Paris Olympics and 2024 African Games, which secured automatic qualification.
Event Innovations:
The Guangzhou meet introduces groundbreaking changes:
- Mixed 4x100m will follow woman-woman-man-man running order
- New world records will be ratified starting 2026
- Top 14 teams automatically qualify for 2026 World Ultimate Championships
Medal Prospects:
Nigeria’s relays have consistently delivered:
- Women’s 4x100m won bronze at 2024 Olympics
- Men’s 4x400m claimed African Games gold
- Mixed 4x400m holds African record
With six alternates per team, coaches retain flexibility to adjust lineups based on form and injury prevention. The squad departs for China on May 5 for final preparations ahead of the two-day championship that serves as a critical benchmark for Budapest 2026.
Athletics analysts suggest Nigeria could challenge for multiple medals, particularly in the women’s sprints where Amusan’s star power combines with Ofili’s raw speed.
Full Squad Details:
- Men’s 4x100m: Akintola, Onwuzurike, Ashe, Anunagba, Olaoye, Itshekiri
- Women’s 4x100m: Chukwuma, Umukoro, Eyakpobeyan, Ofili, Obi, Amusan
- Mixed 4x400m: Okezie, Ojeli, Nathaniel, Okon, Idamadudu, Ogunmakinju
- Mixed 4x100m Pool: Ashe, Akintola, Onwuzurike, Chukwuma, Ofili, Umukoro
The championship marks Nigeria’s first major international outing since the Paris Olympics, offering a crucial test for next year’s World Championships in Tokyo. Fans eagerly await potential fireworks as the nation’s speed merchants take on global powerhouses like USA and Jamaica in what promises to be a landmark edition of the World Relays.
