Nigeria welcomes Africa’s best to 3rd U18/U20 Athletics Championships

Nigeria is set to host the continent’s finest young athletes as Abeokuta, Ogun State, prepares to welcome 43 countries for the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships, scheduled to take place from July 16 to 20, 2025.

A total of 937 athletes and officials have confirmed participation in the continental competition, which promises to showcase the next generation of African track and field talent. The event marks another major milestone in Nigeria’s growing reputation as a hub for international sporting excellence.

Among the participating nations are some of Africa’s athletics powerhouses—South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Egypt, and host country Nigeria—alongside strong contenders such as Ghana, Algeria, Morocco, Cameroon, Senegal, and Uganda.

Nigeria will lead the pack with the largest delegation, consisting of 60 male and 50 female athletes, accompanied by 22 officials, bringing the total to 132 participants.

South Africa follows with 100 representatives, while Ethiopia and Kenya have confirmed 69 and 67 delegates, respectively. Algeria will also be strongly represented with 65 participants.

The championship comes just two months after Abeokuta successfully hosted the Gateway Games 2024—the 22nd National Sports Festival—which drew over 15,000 athletes and officials from across the country.

Sanctioned by the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), the event will provide a critical platform for emerging athletes to compete at elite levels, while promoting unity and continental pride through sport.

Preparations are in full swing, with organizers assuring that every detail—from accommodation and transportation to competition logistics and athlete services—is being handled with precision to ensure a world-class experience.