Senegal to host 2025 CAA Zone II U-18, U-20 championships, says Okowa
By Olaolu Joseph
The 2025 Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Zone II U-18 and U-20 Championships will be held in Dakar, Senegal, according to CAA President, Tonobok Okowa.
Senegal was chosen to host the event ahead of Nigeria, Guinea, and Burkina Faso for several reasons. Okowa, who also serves as the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), explained that the decision was part of a strategy to expand the reach of the CAA, unite the region through sport, and give all West African countries a sense of belonging.
“We’ve hosted CAA Zone II competitions in Benin Republic, Togo, and Ghana, which are in the western part of the sub-region. It’s time to give the eastern side a fair opportunity to make history and add value to a sport we all love,” said Okowa.
He also highlighted Senegal’s excellent sporting facilities and its rich athletic heritage as key factors in the country’s selection to host the championships.
Okowa expressed his delight at Dakar being chosen as the host city, following the CAA Zone II’s evaluation of Senegal’s sporting facilities, government guarantees, and financial strength.
“Senegal is a country full of energy, with dynamic, resourceful, and hospitable people who understand the importance of hospitality. It is a diverse nation with a lot to offer,” Okowa said.
The AFN President assured that the government would address any concerns, providing adequate security, seamless transportation, accommodation, and crowd management for participants.
Okowa also emphasized that harnessing the sporting potential of the youth is a central component of his administration’s development agenda. He noted that the combined U-18 and U-20 Championships would serve as an engaging tool to create opportunities for young athletes.
“We are using athletics as a corrective narrative, an enabler that will give our youth a brighter future,” Okowa said.
He praised the Senegalese government for its support of athletics and sports in general, stating that over 500 athletes and officials from 16 countries are expected to compete.
The tentative date for the competition is the last weekend in March, though Okowa noted that the exact dates would be finalized by the CAA Zone II secretariat.
