Abeokuta set for 3rd African U-20 athletics championship as 43 countries confirm attendance

By Jude Opara, Abuja

With barely two weeks to go, excitement is high in the air as Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital, prepares to welcome some of the continent’s promising young athletes for the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships, scheduled to hold from July 16 to 20, 2025.

Already, a total of 43 countries with 937 athletes and officials have confirmed their participation and equally registered for the prestigious event.

In a statement on Wednesday, Kola Daniel, S.A, Media, Office of the Director General, National Sports Commission (NSC) said preparations are in full gear, with organizers working round the clock to ensure a world-class experience for all participants.

Daniel assured that from logistics and transportation to accommodation, feeding, competition services, and liaison support, every aspect is being meticulously fine-tuned to deliver a memorable championship.

“Africa’s athletics powerhouses—Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Egypt—are all confirmed to be represented, along with other strong contenders such as Ghana, Algeria, Morocco, Cameroon, Senegal, Uganda, and others.

“Host nation Nigeria tops the list with the largest delegation, featuring 60 male and 50 female athletes, alongside 22 officials, making a total of 132 participants. South Africa follows closely with 42 men, 40 women, and 18 officials, summing up to a 100-member contingent.

“Ethiopia is also coming in strong, registering 30 male and 27 female athletes, supported by 12 officials, for a total of 69 delegates. Kenya is not far behind, with 25 men and 25 women, and 17 officials, totaling 67 representatives. Algeria has confirmed 65 participants, comprising 30 men, 19 women, and 16 officials”.

It could be recalled that this latest sporting fiesta comes just two months after the city of Abeokuta successfully hosted over 15,000 athletes and officials during the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF), also known as Gateway Games 2024.

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

According to the statement, with the upcoming African U18/U20 Championships and other international events lined up, Nigeria is fast taking its rightful place 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”, the statement concluded.