Abeokuta gears up for African Junior Athletics Championship

The countdown has officially begun as Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, braces to welcome the continent’s future stars for the 3rd African U-18 and U-20 Athletics Championships, now just 30 days away.

Scheduled to hold at the newly upgraded MKO Abiola International Stadium, the championship promises to be a spectacle of speed, strength, and emerging talent.

Over 50 countries are expected to participate in the prestigious event, with national contingents set to begin arriving from July 12. The championship will take place from July 16 to 20, 2025.

The Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) has fully endorsed the facilities, certifying Abeokuta as ready and capable of hosting the continent’s best young athletes.

All eyes will be on Nigeria as it sets the stage for a new generation of stars, poised to follow in the footsteps of national legends like Falilat Ogunkoya, Mary Onyali, Olusoji Fasuba, Deji Aliu, and Yusuf Alli — all of whom first shone on similar junior stages before becoming global icons.

As excitement builds, Ogun State is not only preparing for the athletics championship but also laying the groundwork to host the upcoming WAFU B U-17 Football Championship, further cementing its growing status as a hub for elite sporting events in Africa.