Chukwuma, Ogundiran Face World Relays Doubt After Testing Setbacks

Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 World Relays have been dealt a major setback as United States-based sprinters Rosemary Chukwuma and Blessing Ogundiran are reportedly at risk of missing the competition due to travel delays and eligibility-related challenges.

According to Ireporter Online, the World Relays are scheduled to take place from May 2 to May 3 at the Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone, Botswana, but both athletes have yet to link up with the national team.

Reports indicate that Chukwuma’s travel was disrupted after delays in the release of her passport from an embassy, while Ogundiran remains unavailable pending the outcome of her SRY gene test, a requirement introduced by World Athletics for participation in major championships.

Speaking from Gaborone on Thursday, Christopher Maduewesi of Making of Champions confirmed the situation, noting that both athletes were unavailable due to circumstances beyond their control.

He explained that Ogundiran’s SRY test sample was only recently collected and would not be processed in time for the start of the competition, while Chukwuma’s delayed passport return affected her travel arrangements. He added that efforts were ongoing from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) to possibly secure Chukwuma’s arrival before the event begins.

Ogundiran, who boasts a personal best of 10.98 seconds, and Chukwuma, who has recorded a season best of 10.95 seconds, are considered key figures whose absence could significantly affect Nigeria’s medal prospects in the women’s 4x100m and mixed relay events.

In their absence, Nigeria will rely on athletes such as Jenifer Chukwuka, Miracle Ezechukwu, Rosemary Nwankwo, and Maria Omokwe for the women’s 4x100m relay, while the mixed 4x100m team includes Enoch Adegoke, James Emmanuel, Chidera Ezeakor, and Ezechukwu.

For the men’s 4x400m relay, Nigeria has assembled Ezekiel Azukwo, Gafari Badmus, Victor Ime, Samson Nathaniel, Emmanuel Ojeli, and Chidi Okezie, while the women’s squad comprises Anita Enaruna, Patience Okon-George, Toheebat Jimoh, Taiwo Kudoro, Jecinta Lawrence, and Esther Okon. The mixed 4x400m relay team includes Sekiru Adeyemi, Enaruna, Okon-George, Jimoh, Ojeli, and Okezie.