Nigeria set to host African youth athletics championship with 35 countries in attendance

Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, has come alive as 35 countries arrive for the third edition of the CAA African U18/U20 Athletics Championship, which begins Wednesday, July 16, and runs through Saturday, July 20, 2025.

The latest arrivals, including contingents from Algeria and Morocco, joined other participating nations such as South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Ghana, and Egypt, in what is expected to be a thrilling five-day festival of youth athletics.

The championship will take place at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, with Nigeria playing host and ensuring top-tier preparations, including transport, accommodation, security, and protocol, for all visiting athletes and officials.

According to a statement by Kola Daniel, Special Adviser to the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, the city is brimming with excitement. Cultural troupes have been entertaining visitors with colourful displays of Nigerian heritage, adding a festive atmosphere to the competition buildup.

Delegates from North African countries have also expressed enthusiasm, with some joining in traditional dances to connect with local culture and hospitality.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) held its congress at the Confluence Hotel, where key decisions were made about the future of athletics on the continent. The congress, led by CAA President Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, focused on reform, sustainability, and strategies to boost Africa’s global competitiveness in athletics.

Beyond competition, the event is being seen as a platform to shape the future of athletics in Africa through collaboration, policy-making, and cultural exchange.