The ancient city of Abeokuta is set to welcome Africa’s finest young athletes as the 3rd edition of the African U18/U20 Athletics Championship gets underway from July 16 to 20 at the MKO Abiola International Stadium.
Organized by the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) in collaboration with the National Sports Commission, Ogun State Government, and major sponsors including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Bank of Industry (BOI), and LEDCO Limited, the event promises five action-packed days of competition and continental pride.
The competition opens in the afternoon of Day 1 with U18 athletes headlining the schedule. Fans will witness events like the U18 100m heats, 1500m final, high jump final, and triple jump final. Races in the 400m, 3,000m, and 10,000m will also feature across both age categories, setting the tone for an electrifying championship.
Day 2 ramps up the intensity. The morning session features the 110m hurdles heats, long jump qualifications, and 400m finals across both age groups.
The 100m semifinals will also unfold before the afternoon transitions into high-stakes events including the U18 and U20 100m finals, the U20 1500m final, women’s discus final, and the 400m semifinals.
Thursday (Day 3) begins with the 400m finals for U18 boys and girls, alongside pole vault and hammer throw events.
The afternoon heats up with finals in the U18 100m hurdles, javelin throw, U20 men’s 400m, and high jump. The U20 men’s 4x100m relay heats will add a thrilling relay dimension to the day.
On Day 4, the morning session features heats in the 200m and 800m for both U18 and U20 athletes. The afternoon will host the 200m semi-finals and the long-distance 5,000m final.
The highly anticipated 4x100m finals for U20 men and women will follow, alongside other sprint and field events.
The final day begins with a strong lineup of field events including the discus, javelin, and long jump for both U18 and U20 divisions. The curtain will close with afternoon finals in the 200m, 800m, and U20 men’s long jump.
The event concludes with the 4x400m relay finals, followed by the closing ceremony and medal presentations.
With over 40 African nations expected to compete, the release of the full fixture list sets the stage for a memorable celebration of youth athletics.
For Nigeria, hosting this continental showpiece is not just about winning medals but inspiring the next generation of African champions.