Chukwuma, Ogundiran face World Relays 2026 setback as passport, eligibility delays hit Team Nigeria

Nigeria’s preparations for the World Athletics Relays 2026 have suffered a setback as US-based sprinters Rosemary Chukwuma and Blessing Ogundiran are on the verge of missing the competition due to travel and eligibility complications.

The championship is scheduled for May 2–3 at the Botswana National Stadium, but both athletes have been unable to join the Nigerian contingent ahead of the event.

Reports indicate that Chukwuma’s travel was delayed after her passport was returned late from an embassy, while Ogundiran is still awaiting results from her SRY gene test, a requirement tied to eligibility regulations introduced by World Athletics regarding biological sex verification.

According to officials and team insiders, both situations are beyond the control of the athletes and the federation.

“At the moment, both Rosemary Chukwuma and Blessing Ogundiran are out of the World Relays for Nigeria,” athletics official Christopher Maduewesi said from Gaborone.

He explained that Ogundiran’s sample for the SRY test was only recently collected and would not be processed in time for the competition, while efforts were still ongoing to resolve Chukwuma’s travel challenges.

Despite attempts by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) to intervene, the chances of both athletes competing remain slim.

Their potential absence is a major blow to Nigeria’s women’s 4x100m and mixed relay teams, given their strong season and personal best performances.

Chukwuma has recorded a season’s best of 10.95 seconds, while Ogundiran has a personal best of 10.98 seconds, making them key figures in Nigeria’s sprint relay lineup.

Nigeria will now rely on a reshuffled squad for the women’s 4x100m, featuring Jenifer Chukwuka, Miracle Ezechukwu, Rosemary Nwankwo, and Maria Omokwe.

The mixed and men’s relay teams have also been adjusted as the country looks to remain competitive despite the unexpected setbacks.

The development adds to pre-competition uncertainty for Team Nigeria as they prepare for one of the key qualifying events in global athletics.