Favour Ashe Team Nigeria return confirmed as the sprint star ends speculation and re-joins Nigeria’s squad ahead of the World Relays in Botswana

Nigerian sprint athlete Favour Ashe on Wednesday confirmed his return to national duty, ending weeks of speculation over his future as he joined Team Nigeria ahead of the World Relays in Gaborone, Botswana.

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The 22-year-old departed Lagos alongside Athletics Federation of Nigeria president Tonobok Okowa after being named in the squad, marking a decisive end to rumours linking him with a possible nationality switch following training stints with a Qatar-based group.

Speaking briefly before departure at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ashe expressed confidence and excitement about his comeback, stating: “I’m back, watch out for me in Botswana.”

His return comes just days before the global relay competition, with World Athletics previously confirming that no formal request had been submitted for a change of nationality.

Ashe remains one of Nigeria’s most explosive sprinters, with a personal best of 9.94 seconds and a history of breaking the 10-second barrier multiple times, establishing him as a key figure in the country’s relay ambitions.

He is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s men’s 4x100m relay team alongside Enoch Adegoke, James Emmanuel, Chidera Ezeakor and Tejiri Godwin.

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Nigeria will also compete in the women’s and mixed relay events, as preparations intensify for what is expected to be a highly competitive championship in Botswana.