World Relays Gaborone 2026: Tebogo and the African women conquering the world

This is a major turning point for African athletics. After years of domination on the slopes around the world, Africa is finally offering itself the organization of the relay race. At the National Stadium in Gaborone, the atmosphere promises to be electric. If the American and Jamaican ogres are the favourites, they will face an African bloc more ambitious than ever, supported by a public committed to its cause.

Botswanians expected to shine at home
For this first major event, Botswana does not just want to organize; it is aiming for the summits. All eyes will be on the gem Letsile Tebogo, Olympic 200m champion, and Collen Kebinatshipi, who has dazzled the world on 400m during the last Worlds.

Botswana, already crowned 4x400m world champion last year in Tokyo, puts its title at stake in a duel that promises to be epic against South Africa and Belgium. Engaged on all fronts (4x100m, 4x400m and mixed relay), Botswana wants to prove that it is now a major nation of pure speed.

South Africa and Nigeria are coming with ambition
South Africa arrives in Gaborone with the status of defender: that of winner of the last World Relays in Guangzhou. With pillars like Akani Simbine on the 4x100m and the legendary Wayde van Niekerk predicted on the 4x400m, the South Africans have an impressive bench depth.

Nigeria, another sprint power, sent a full delegation. Building on their continental successes, the Nigerian relays are aiming for a massive qualification for the 2027 Beijing World Championships. Their women’s teams, traditionally very efficient on 4x100m, will be particularly to watch.


These relay Worlds confirm a turning point. Ethiopia and Uganda, who usually excel in long-distance races, confirm their rise on the track with targeted engagements on the 4x400m (women’s and mixed).

On its part, Ghana is betting everything on its 4x100m men’s relay, renowned for its cohesion and ability to shake up hierarchies. Senegal and Zimbabwe, competing in the men’s 4x400m, will look to create a surprise and secure one of the 12 valuable qualifying tickets for the 2027 World Championships on offer this weekend.

The committed African relays
South Africa: 4x100 male, 4x100 female, 4x100 mixed, 4x400 male, 4x400 female, 4x400 mixed
Botswana: 4x100 male, 4x100 female, 4x100 mixed, 4x400 male, 4x400 female, 4x400 mixed
Ethiopia: 4x400 female, 4x400 mixed
Ghana: 4x100 male
Kenya: 4x100 male, 4x400 male, 4x100 mixed, 4x400 female, 4x400 mixed
Nigeria: 4x100 male, 4x100 female, 4x100 mixed, 4x400 male, 4x400 female, 4x400 mixed
Uganda: 4x400 female, 4x400 mixed
Senegal: 4x400 male
Zimbabwe: 4x400 male