Twenty-eight years after Ibadan, Oyo State, hosted the third edition of the African U-20 Athletics Championships, Nigeria is once again preparing to welcome the continent’s brightest young athletes.
The competition scheduled to begin from July 16 to 20, In Abeokuta, Ogun State will host the combined African U-18 and U-20 Championships.
It would be recalled that at the 1997 event in Ibadan, Nigeria dominated the medal table, securing 39 medals 13 gold, 11 silver, and 15 bronze, surpassing Algeria, which finished second with seven gold, six silver, and five bronze medals. Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana followed in third, fourth, and fifth positions respectively.
The African U-20 Championships, which began in 1994 in Algiers, Algeria, cater to athletes aged 19 and under, while the U-18 edition was introduced in 2013 for those aged 15 to 17.
Notably, Fidelis Gadzama, who won the 400m gold at the 1997 edition, is now a member of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the upcoming event in Abeokuta.
Algeria was stripped of the hosting right before Nugeria got the nod to host the competition.
Rosa Collins-Okah, a former Nigerian triple jumper and LOC member, highlighted the importance of the championships as a platform for young athletes to gain competitive experience and prepare for global competitions.
Collins-Okah noted that the event significantly contributes to the growth of athletics across the continent. With about 36 days to go, preparations are in full swing under the leadership of Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission and chairman of the LOC.
South Africa, the current overall champion, is set to defend its title, while Nigeria’s young athletes are determined to make a mark on home ground.
“This is not just a competition—it is a celebration of Africa’s emerging stars in athletics,” said Olopade.
“Nigeria is proud to host again and showcase its capacity to organise world-class sporting events.”
According to the LOC, Abeokuta was chosen due to its advanced facilities and growing reputation as a center for sports development.
Enefiok Udo-Obong, former Nigerian international and chairman of the LOC’s Technical Sub-Committee, described the championship as a crucial foundation for Africa’s future Olympic and world champions.
This prestigious biennial event will bring over 500 athletes from 53 African countries to the newly renovated MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, which recently hosted the 22nd National Sports Festival.
