After weeks of preparation, Nigerian athletes, will tomorrow, begin their quest for honours at the 2026 World Athletics Relays holding in Gaborone, Botswana.

The 2026 World Relays will run from May 2 and May 3.

Some members of the Team Nigeria squad left for Gaborone on Monday, while five others joined them in the early hours of yesterday.

Also yesterday, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olapade, arrived in the city to cheer the athletes to victory.

A total of 24 athletes will represent Nigeria in all six relay events at the competition.

This year’s World Relays serves as qualification pathway to the 2026 World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest and the World Athletics Championships in Beijing 2027.

The Guardian, learnt, yesterday, that among Nigerian athletes already on ground in Botswana for the event are top sprinter, Favour Ashe.

A source in the team’s camp hinted that Ashe, who wanted to dump Nigeria for Qatar, changed his mind following pleas from some top Nigerian sports officials, including NSC officials and the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

“Yes, Ashe is here, and he is ready for the World Relay,” the source said.

Meanwhile, NSC boss, Olapade has assured the athletes of the Commission’s full backing, as well as the support of Nigerians both at home and in the Diaspora.

Speaking before his departure for Botswana, Olapade emphasised the importance of discipline, unity, and determination, noting that the World Relays provides a crucial platform for Nigeria to reinforce its pedigree in international athletics.

“The entire nation stands firmly behind you,” he assured the athletes. “We have absolute faith in your ability to deliver and make Nigeria proud.”

Olapade further disclosed that his physical presence in Gaborone to support the team also reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to the success of Nigerian sports.

He encouraged the athletes to not only aim for podium finishes, but also secure qualification spots for upcoming global championships.