Nigeria to host African U20/U18 Athletics Championship in Abeokuta

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Nigeria is set to host the Conference of African Athletes (CAA) U20/U18 African Junior Athletics Championship in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from July 16 to 20, 2025. This follows the success of the National Sports Festival, OgunGateway 2024, which was rated the best in Nigeria’s history.

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, announced this at a press conference held at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. He said the event reflects the vision of the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, who aims to use sports to empower youth, create wealth, and develop talents.

Olopade explained that Nigeria secured the hosting rights after Dikko lobbied during a visit to Algeria, where he showcased Nigeria’s capability to host the championship. “This is part of the Commission’s strategy to drive the sports economy and create opportunities for young Nigerians,” he said.

He disclosed that the championship is funded through a public-private partnership. Major sponsors like MTN and the Bank of Industry have pledged their support, while the CAA has contributed $300,000 towards the event. “We have enough funds to host this championship successfully,” he assured.

Olopade emphasized that the event would focus on talent discovery and capacity building. He charged the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to produce new athletes who can compete globally, particularly in preparation for major events like the 2028 Commonwealth Games in Los Angeles.

“We are not just preparing for this competition; we are building a system that puts money in the pockets of not only the athletes but also other stakeholders,” Olopade noted. He stressed the importance of sustainable benefits from sports beyond competitions.

The DG revealed that 583 athletes from 34 countries have so far confirmed participation, although 50 countries are expected. He dismissed reports about Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili’s alleged defection to Turkey, saying there has been no official communication on the matter.

Veteran coach Gabriel Okon highlighted the significance of the championship in producing world-class athletes, citing Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume as examples of stars discovered at similar events. He urged the public to support the young athletes, emphasizing that the event is about growth, encouragement, and nurturing future champions.