With only 35 days to go, Nigeria is getting ready to host the third edition of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) African Junior Athletics Championship, which will be held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, from July 16th to 20th, 2025.
Returning to Nigeria, the famous biennial tournament will bring the continent’s Under-18 and Under-20 athletes to the newly renovated MKO Abiola Sports Complex, which recently hosted the 22nd National Sports Festival (Gateway Games 2024).
This year’s championship is expected to attract over 500 competitors from more than 50 African countries, making it one of the continent’s largest meetings of young athletic talent.
South Africa, the defending overall winners, will try to retain their crown, but Nigeria’s youthful talents are also ready to make a significant statement behind home support.
“This is not just a competition; it is a celebration of Africa’s future in track and field,” Hon. Bukola Olopade, DG of the National Sports Commission said.
“Nigeria is honored to host once again and to demonstrate its world-class capacity in organizing major sporting events,” he added.
The choice of Abeokuta, popularly known as the Gateway City, reflects the state’s developing status as a sports development hub, among other Nigerian towns. With its cutting-edge facilities and strategic location, the city is poised to provide an outstanding experience for players, officials, and fans alike.
The CAA African Junior Championships are largely considered as a breeding ground for Africa’s future Olympic and international champions.
As the countdown continues, all eyes will be on Nigeria to once again rise to the occasion and cement its place as Africa’s great athletic powerhouse.