AFN Sets June 30–July 1 for National Trials Ahead of African U18/U20 Athletics Championships

AFN Sets June 30–July 1 for National Trials Ahead of African U18/U20 Athletics Championships

By Admin 

 The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has officially announced that national trials for the 2025 Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U-18 and U-20 Championships will take place from June 30 to July 1 at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu, Ogun State.

The two-day trials will serve as the final selection process to determine Nigeria’s representatives for the continental championships, which are scheduled for July 16 to 20 at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.

According to the CAA, the championship will bring together over 800 athletes from more than 50 African countries, making it one of the largest youth athletic gatherings on the continent.

Competing in both U-18 and U-20 categories, athletes will vie for national team spots across a wide range of track and field disciplines, including sprints, middle- and long-distance races, hurdles, relays, jumps, and throws.

Strict Documentation Required

The AFN has released stringent documentation requirements for all trial participants. Athletes must present valid national identity slips, birth certificates, school leaving certificates, and WAEC results where applicable. The federation emphasized that failure to meet these requirements may lead to disqualification.

 “We are committed to a transparent and merit-based selection process. Every athlete must come fully prepared, with all necessary documents,” the AFN stated.

Training Camp to Follow Selection

Athletes who qualify from the trials will be invited to a national training camp in preparation for the continental competition. The camp will focus on physical conditioning, technical refinement, and relay team cohesion.

The AFN had earlier announced a provisional list of 90 junior athletes already invited to the camp, pending final selections from the trials.

“This championship is an opportunity for our future stars to shine and gain experience competing against the best on the continent,” said AFN President Tonobok Okowa.

“We expect our athletes to demonstrate not just talent, but also the discipline and professionalism needed at this level.”

Nigeria Steps In as Host

This year’s edition marks the third combined U-18 and U-20 African Championship, and Nigeria’s first time hosting the event under the current AFN administration. Originally scheduled to take place in Oran, Algeria, the championships were relocated to Abeokuta due to what the CAA cited as “various logistical reasons.”

Rising Rivalries: Kenya Set to Compete

Raising the stakes, Kenya has already concluded its national trials and will be sending a 45-athlete contingent to Nigeria. According to Joseph Ilovi, Secretary of Athletics Kenya’s Youth Committee, the Kenyan team will enter camp from June 30 to July 13 before departing for Nigeria.

The Abeokuta championship is expected to serve as a critical stepping stone for Africa’s next generation of track and field stars, offering international exposure and competitive experience at a pivotal point in their development.