BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

The city of Abeokuta, capital of Ogun State in southwestern Nigeria, has come alive as it plays host to the African U18 and U20 Athletics Championships, which officially kicked off on Wednesday, July 16.

With hundreds of young athletes from across the continent competing, the five-day championship promises to be a showcase of Africa’s rising stars in track and field.

The opening day featured a flurry of events, including finals in the U18 men’s high jump and U18 women’s triple jump, alongside heats in the 100 metres across U18 and U20 male and female categories.

The evening concluded with the U20 women’s 3000 metres and the U20 men’s 10,000 metres finals.

Day Two (July 17) began with early morning action in the men’s U20 decathlon and sprint hurdles. The session also included the 100m semifinals in all four major divisions—U18 and U20, male and female.

In the afternoon, fans witnessed finals in the U18 women’s discus, U20 men’s shot put, and U20 women’s 1500m, as well as high jump, triple jump, steeplechase, and the highly anticipated 100m finals. The U20 mixed 4x400m relay closed out the day with excitement.

Day Three (July 18) featured more medal opportunities, with the U18 men’s hammer throw and 400m finals for both U18 boys and girls during the morning session. Decathlon and heptathlon events also progressed steadily.

The afternoon session included U18 women’s long jump, triple jump, 100m hurdles finals, and 200m sprint semifinals.

Day Four (July 19) saw the endurance athletes take the spotlight with the 10,000m race walk finals for both U18 and U20 men in the morning.

In the afternoon, there were finals in the 400m hurdles, steeplechase, shot put, pole vault, and 200m sprints.

The evening wrapped up with thrilling relays, including the medley and 4x100m finals for U20 men and women.

Final Day (July 20) is set to deliver a fitting climax to the championships. Morning events include the 10,000m and 5,000m walks for U20 and U18 women, as well as key heptathlon and octathlon events.

The evening will bring finals in the 200m, 800m, long jump, javelin, discus, hammer throw, and the 4x400m relays for both men and women.

With more than 100 events scheduled, the African U18 and U20 Championships in Abeokuta provide a vital platform for emerging athletes to shine on the continental stage.

The competition also serves as a stepping stone toward future global championships, including the World Juniors and the Olympic Games.

Organizers have indicated that the event timetable may be adjusted depending on the number of participants and prevailing local conditions.

Nonetheless, Abeokuta is set to witness a festival of speed, strength, and stamina as Africa’s future athletics stars battle for continental glory.

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ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA – Final preparations are in full swing. Abeokuta will host the 3rd edition of the Confederation of African Athletics U18/U20 African Athletics Championship.

This event is scheduled to run from July 16 to 20, 2025, at the MKO Abiola Arena

With just one day to go before the opening events, the Algerian and Moroccan contingents arrived on Monday night. This brought the total number of participating countries to 35. This confirms a strong continental turnout for the youth athletics showcase.

Track and field powerhouses such as Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia, Uganda, Ghana, and Egypt are already on ground. This sets the stage for a thrilling contest of emerging talents across various disciplines.

Nigeria, playing host, has rolled out comprehensive logistical plans. These plans ensure a smooth experience for athletes, officials, and fans. Security, transportation, accommodation, and protocol arrangements are fully activated. Officials are working round the clock to deliver a world-class event.

The city of Abeokuta is already alive with colour and culture. Traditional dancers and cultural troupes have been entertaining visitors with vibrant displays of Nigeria’s rich heritage. Members of the visiting delegations, including North African athletes, have enthusiastically joined in the festivities, adding to the celebratory mood.

Meanwhile, the administrative side of the championship is also underway. The CAA held its congress at the Confluence Hotel, Abeokuta, where member federations and athletics officials gathered to deliberate on the future of African athletics.

Presided over by CAA President Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, the congress focused on crucial reforms, sustainability measures, and strategic plans aimed at enhancing the global competitiveness of African athletes. The session reaffirmed the championship’s dual role as a platform for both elite competition and long-term development of the sport on the continent.

With the countdown nearing zero, all eyes are now on Abeokuta as Africa’s next generation of track and field stars prepare to take centre stage.

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Excitement is reaching fever pitch in the city of Abeokuta. The countdown to the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships is in its final stretch.

There are just two days to go before the opening events.

Delegations from across the continent have begun arriving in Nigeria. Teams from South Sudan, Seychelles, and Congo are among the latest to touch down.

Their arrival is ahead of the eagerly anticipated youth athletics showcase. Their arrival is adding to the electric atmosphere already building in the Ogun State capital.

The event is set to take place at the MKO Abiola Arena from July 16 to 20. The championships will bring together Africa’s most promising young athletes. It promises to be a thrilling week of top-tier competition.

African athletics powerhouses such as Egypt, Botswana, and South Africa have also arrived in Abeokuta. They are finalising their preparations with high expectations. These nations are fielding some of the continent’s brightest prospects. They are tipped to deliver standout performances on both track and field.

With over 43 countries and nearly 1,000 athletes and officials expected, the event marks a significant milestone for Nigerian athletics. It reinforces the country’s growing reputation as a hub for major sporting events.

The official start is set for July 16, with preliminary heats, opening ceremonies, and cultural festivities expected to captivate fans, athletes, and dignitaries alike.

The 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships not only highlight Africa’s depth of youth talent but also serve as a platform for future global stars to shine.

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