Road to Guangzhou: African Nations Gear Up for 2025 World Relays

The countdown to the 2025 World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China, has begun. Scheduled for May 10–11, the event will serve as a pivotal qualifier for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo later this year. For African nations, this presents a golden opportunity—not just to qualify, but to reaffirm their place among the world’s elite in the sprinting and relay scene.

🏁 Nigeria: Building a Powerhouse

Nigeria is heading to Guangzhou with one of its most talented relay squads in recent years. The team will compete in four of the six relay events: men’s and women’s 4x100m, mixed 4x100m, and mixed 4x400m.

The men’s 4x100m squad features elite sprinters such as Alaba Akintola, Udodi Onwuzurike, Favour Ashe, and Usheoritse Itsekiri, blending youth and experience with raw speed. The women’s lineup is equally star-studded, headlined by Olympic hurdler Tobi Amusan, alongside Rosemary Chukwuma, Tima Godbless, and Favour Ofili.

For the mixed relays, the roster includes 400m specialists Chidi Okezie, Imaobong Nse Uko, and Patience Okon-George, positioning Nigeria as a strong medal contender in both the 4x100m and 4x400m formats.

“Our athletes are peaking at the right time. We’re not just going to participate; we’re going to compete,” a source within the Athletics Federation of Nigeria said.

🇺🇬 Uganda: A Debut to Remember

In a major milestone, Uganda has qualified its 4x400m relay team for the first time in World Relays history. This reflects a strategic shift in Uganda’s athletics program, which has traditionally been known for distance running. The country's inclusion adds a new chapter to its athletic evolution and highlights the continent’s growing relay depth.

🇧🇼 Botswana: Eyes on Gold Again

Botswana, one of Africa’s sprinting giants, is preparing to defend its gold medal at the World Relays. Spearheading the team is Olympic 200m silver medalist Letsile Tebogo, whose explosive speed and consistency make Botswana a serious threat in both the men’s 4x100m and 4x400m events.

Botswana’s relay system has become a model of efficiency in Africa, built on youth development and strong team chemistry.

🇰🇪 Kenya: Beyond Distance Running

Kenya, often synonymous with long-distance excellence, is doubling down on its sprint relay ambitions. The Kenyan Athletics Federation recently conducted specialized relay trials at Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium, aiming to craft competitive teams across the 4x100m and 4x400m categories.

By investing in sprint-focused training camps and athlete development, Kenya is aiming not just to qualify—but to contend.

🎯 The Stakes: Qualification for Tokyo

The 2025 World Relays is more than a showcase—it’s a gateway. The top 14 teams in each of the five Olympic relay events (men’s and women’s 4x100m, 4x400m, and mixed 4x400m) will earn automatic qualification for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

Two additional teams per event will qualify via global performance rankings within the qualification window, which closes on August 24, 2025.

🌍 Africa Rising

From Lagos to Gaborone, from Kampala to Nairobi, Africa is sprinting toward a new era. With elite athletes, stronger infrastructure, and more strategic planning, the continent is not only participating but contending at the highest level.

As Guangzhou 2025 approaches, expect fireworks—and expect Africa to shine.