Five Team Nigeria Starlets to Watch at the African Junior Athletics Championships

By Amaechi Agbo

The countdown continues — just 20 days remain before Africa’s next generation of track and field stars converge for the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships, from July 16-20 in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

For Team Nigeria, it’s more than a championship — it’s a launchpad. A golden opportunity for rising stars to announce themselves on the continental stage and ignite careers that could shape the future of Nigerian athletics.

Among the contingent gearing up to wear the green-white-green with pride, a standout group of talents is already turning heads both locally and internationally. Meet the names to watch as they prepare to dazzle in Abeokuta:

Chioma Nwachukwu

Events: 400m, 4x400m Relay

PBs: 400m – 51.26s | Indoor – 52.07s | 4x400m Relay – 3:26.90

College: University of Iowa

A gold medalist at the 2022 National Sports Festival and a champion at the Nigerian University Games (NUGA), Chioma has shattered school records at the University of Iowa in both the indoor and outdoor 4x400m relays. Her consistency earned her the Big Ten Freshman of the Year title. She brings world-class collegiate experience and fearless energy to Team Nigeria.

Okon Israel

Events: 60m, 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay

PBs: 100m – 9.91s | 60m – 6.51s | 200m – 20.80s

College: Auburn University

Okon is rewriting history. His blistering 6.51s in the 60m tied the school record at Auburn, placing him alongside legends like Davidson Ezinwa and Favour Ashe on Nigeria’s all-time list. A silver medalist at the SEC Indoor Championships and bronze medalist at the NCAA Indoors, he also led Nigeria to gold in the 4x100m at the 2023 African Games. At just 19, he holds the U20 national 100m record — and the future.

Favour Onyah

Events: 400m, 200m, 4x400m Relay

PBs: 400m – 51.93s | 200m – 24.35s | 4x400m Relay – 3:40.46

College: Southeastern Louisiana University

Named the 2024 Southland Conference Women’s Track & Field Freshman of the Year, Favour is fast becoming a dominant force in the quarter-mile. She qualified for the NCAA East First Round in 400m and helped set her school’s indoor 4x400m relay record. A bronze medalist at the 2023 Nigerian Trials and a relay gold medalist at MTN CHAMPS Asaba, she adds strength and depth to Team Nigeria’s women’s relay lineup.

Gafari Badmus

Events: 400m, 200m, 800m, 4x400m Relay

PBs: 400m – 45.62s | 200m – 21.64s | 800m – 1:56.48 | Mixed Relay – 3:25.59

College: Not currently enrolled

Gafari is one of the brightest prospects in Nigeria’s youth athletics system. Already a gold medalist in the men’s 4x400m relay at the 2024 National Sports Festival, he has medaled across multiple distances and showcased versatility with a promising 800m personal best. Expect him to make a major impact in the relays and individual events.

John Caleb

Events: 100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay

PBs: 100m – 10.39s | 200m – 21.19s | 4x100m – 40.28s

College: Not currently enrolled

A two-time champion at MTN CHAMPS Benin and Lagos, John Caleb is the definition of consistency. He impressed at the U18 Athletics Trials and has proven to be one of the country’s fastest teenagers. His quick start and sharp bend running make him a dangerous weapon in both the 100m and 200m.