Nigeria, 42 Others, 937 Athletes Set for 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships

Nigeria, 42 Others, 937 Athletes Set for 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships

Ibrahim Lateef

With just two weeks to go, excitement is building as Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, prepares to welcome the continent’s finest young athletes for the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships, scheduled to take place from July 16 to 20, 2025, reports BSNSports.com.ng.

A total of 43 countries have confirmed their participation, with 937 athletes and officials already registered for this prestigious event.

Preparations are in full swing, with organizers working tirelessly to ensure a world-class experience for all participants.

Every detail is being meticulously arranged, including logistics, transportation, accommodation, food services, and competition support, to deliver a memorable championship.

Africa’s athletics powerhouses—Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Egypt—will all be represented, alongside other strong contenders such as Ghana, Algeria, Morocco, Cameroon, Senegal, Uganda, and more.

The host nation, Nigeria, leads the way with the largest delegation, consisting of 60 male athletes, 50 female athletes, and 22 officials, totalling 132 participants.

South Africa follows closely behind, sending 42 men, 40 women, and 18 officials, making a contingent of 100 members.

Ethiopia is also showing strength, registering 30 male and 27 female athletes, along with 12 officials, bringing their total to 69 delegates.

Kenya follows with 25 men, 25 women, and 17 officials, totalling 67 representatives.

Algeria has confirmed 65 participants, comprising 30 men, 19 women, and 16 officials.

This prestigious sporting event comes just two months after Abeokuta successfully hosted over 15,000 athletes and officials during the Gateway Games 2024, which was the 22nd National Sports Festival.

The city received high praise for its organization, hospitality, and infrastructure, establishing itself as a rising destination for major sporting events on the African continent.

With the upcoming African U18/U20 Championships and other international events on the horizon, Nigeria is rapidly positioning itself as a leading hub for sports development, youth engagement, and international competition.

The championship, certified by the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), promises to showcase Africa’s next generation of track and field stars in a competition that combines youthful energy with continental pride.