With just 20 days to go, the anticipation is building. From July 16 to 20, Abeokuta, the historic heartbeat of Ogun State, will play host to the continent’s most promising young athletes at the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships. And for Team Nigeria, this is more than a competition — it’s a stage for future legends.
For these teenage sensations, it’s a moment to dream, to run, to leap — and to conquer. It’s where names are made, and medals are only the beginning. Among the green-white-green hopefuls are a crop of extraordinary talents already attracting attention both at home and abroad. Here are the athletes poised to light up the tracks in Abeokuta:
Chioma Nwachukwu: Queen of the Quarter-Mile
Chioma Nwachukwu is a name that’s become synonymous with speed, resilience, and records. A dual champion at the National Sports Festival and the Nigerian University Games (NUGA), she’s continued her blistering form at the University of Iowa, shattering school records in both indoor and outdoor 4x400m relays.
With a personal best of 51.26s in the 400m and a Big Ten Freshman of the Year title under her belt, Chioma brings elite collegiate experience and relentless drive to Team Nigeria. In Abeokuta, she isn’t just chasing gold — she’s chasing greatness.
Okon Israel: Nigeria’s Sprinting Sensation
At just 19, Okon Israel is rewriting the script for Nigerian sprinting. His stunning 6.51s in the 60m tied Auburn University’s school record, while his 9.91s in the 100m has him ranked among Nigeria’s all-time sprint elite — alongside icons like Davidson Ezinwa and Favour Ashe.
With medals from the SEC Indoor Championships and the NCAA Indoors, and a gold medal from the 2023 African Games in the 4x100m, Okon is the definition of explosive potential. Now, he sets his sights on continental domination at the U20 level.
Favour Onyah: The Silent Storm in the 400m
Don’t let her calm demeanor fool you — Favour Onyah is a storm in spikes. The Southeastern Louisiana University standout was crowned the 2024 Southland Conference Freshman of the Year after a breakout season that saw her qualify for the NCAA East First Round in the 400m.
With relay gold from MTN CHAMPS Asaba and a personal best of 51.93s, Favour’s rise has been both swift and steady. In Abeokuta, she’s set to anchor more than just relays — she’ll anchor Nigeria’s hopes in the women’s quarter-mile.
Gafari Badmus: The Versatile Powerhouse
From 200m to 800m, Gafari Badmus is the kind of athlete every team dreams of. Not yet enrolled in college, the young star is already a National Sports Festival gold medalist and a proven threat across multiple distances.
With a best of 45.62s in the 400m and the endurance to shine in the 800m, Gafari’s versatility makes him a key figure for Team Nigeria’s relay strategy — and a serious contender for individual glory.
John Caleb: The Consistent Sprint Machine
In sprinting, consistency is king — and John Caleb wears the crown. A two-time winner at MTN CHAMPS Benin and Lagos, and a standout at the U18 Trials, Caleb has made a habit of showing up and showing out.
Clocking 10.39s in the 100m and 21.19s in the 200m, his explosive starts and smooth bend-running make him a force to be reckoned with. In Abeokuta, he’ll be aiming to sprint his way into Africa’s spotlight.
For these athletes and many more, Abeokuta 2024 isn’t just another championship. It’s a launching pad — a place where raw talent meets the weight of national pride. With Nigeria’s rich legacy in athletics and a new generation ready to carry the baton, the 3rd African U18/U20 Championships could mark the start of a golden era.