By Solomon OKPO
Four outstanding athletes from Akwa Ibom State have arrived in Gaborone as part of Team Nigeria’s contingent to the 2026 World Athletics Relays, with high expectations of delivering strong performances on the global stage.
The athletes, Jacinta Lawrence, Esther Peter, Ezekiel Eno and Victor Sampson, earned their spots following impressive outings at the 2025 Akwa Ibom State Sports Festival.
Their performances secured them places in the state’s elite athletes’ database and eventual selection into the national team.
The quartet will compete in the men’s and women’s 4x400m relay events at the championship scheduled for May 2–3, 2026. The competition also serves as a crucial qualifying pathway for the 2027 World Athletics Championships Beijing, raising the stakes for participating nations.
Team Nigeria, comprising 26 athletes, will feature in all relay categories, including the 4x100m and 4x400m races for men, women, and mixed teams. Strong performances in Botswana are expected to secure favourable lane placements and qualification spots ahead of the global championships in China.
Reacting to the development, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Paul Bassey, praised the athletes for their dedication and described them as shining ambassadors of the state’s growing sports profile.
He expressed confidence in their ability to rise to the occasion and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s success, noting that their selection reflects the impact of sustained investment in grassroots sports development.
Bassey also acknowledged the leadership of Umo Eno, whose support for sports development continues to produce tangible results, both nationally and internationally.
Team Nigeria’s delegation is led by Technical Director Gabriel Okon and Secretary Israel Inwang, both of Akwa Ibom origin, further underscoring the state’s strong representation at the championship.
With momentum on their side, the Akwa Ibom athletes are poised to make a bold statement in Botswana as Nigeria eyes qualification and podium finishes at one of athletics’ premier relay events. (Source, Mfon Patrick).
