For the first time in years, Nigeria is absent from all relay events at the ongoing World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

The country’s teams failed to meet the strict qualification standards set by World Athletics, which require nations to secure their spots through top finishes at the World Relays or by ranking among the 16 fastest teams worldwide within the qualification window.

Nigeria’s absence stems from a mix of administrative lapses, visa issues, and inconsistent participation in key international meets, which left its relay squads without the required times to qualify.