As anticipation builds for the 3rd African U18/U20 Athletics Championships, Team Nigeria has officially announced a 96-athlete strong delegation set to compete on home soil from July 16 to 20 at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The breakdown of the team sees 18 athletes representing the country in the U18 girls’ category, while 24 will compete in the U20 women’s division.
For the male categories, 24 athletes will fly the flag in the U18 boys’ events, with the U20 men’s team topping the numbers with 30 athletes.
Supporting the athletes is a robust technical and backroom team made up of 22 coaches, eight medical personnel, and eight additional staff, including physiotherapists, a team psychologist, media officials, and logistics officers.
In their final build-up to the continental event, Nigeria’s U20 women’s 4x100m relay quartet of Lucy Nwankwo, Success Oyibu, Anita Itohan, and Chika Bakwunye participated in the recent AFN/Dynamic Athletics Meet, using the competition to fine-tune baton exchanges and team coordination.
Officials have assured that all selected athletes passed through intensive training camps and performance evaluations, underscoring Nigeria’s determination to maintain its continental dominance and put up a strong showing as hosts.
With over 40 nations expected to participate, Abeokuta will be the epicenter of Africa’s rising athletic talents, and Nigeria will be aiming not only for medals but also for inspiration—seeking to spark the next generation of track and field champions.