All Eyes On Abeokuta As African Junior Athletes Chase Continental Glories

Abeokuta, the Ogun State’s capital, is gearing up to host the 3rd combined African U-18/U-20 Championships from July 16 to 20, showcasing the continent’s emerging track and field talent. The event, organised by the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), aims to provide a platform for young athletes to demonstrate their skills and ambitions.

The championships have a rich history, with the inaugural African U-20 Championships held in Ibadan in 1997, where the likes of Olympic gold medallist Fidelis Gadzama emerged. The first U-18 Championships took place in Warri, Delta State, in 2013, producing stars such as Tobi Amusan.
Two countries, Madagascar and Algeria, withdrew from hosting the event, leading Ogun State to step in and provide a venue for this important gathering. The MKO Abiola Sports Arena will serve as the main location, where athletes from various African nations will compete for honours.

Hon. Bukola Olapade, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) and Director General of the National Sports Commission, expressed high hopes for the championships, stating, “We are enthusiastic about this year’s event and believe it will be the best yet, given the level of excitement shown by participating countries.”

Athletics powerhouses South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya are expected to deliver fierce competition. South Africa, which has historically dominated the combined championships, is sending a strong delegation of 70 athletes. Media Consultant for Athletics South Africa, Sifiso Cele, affirmed their commitment: “The mandate for each athlete is clear: ‘Bring the African title home.’”

In contrast, Nigerian athletics officials aim to provide exposure to young athletes who have excelled locally but lack international experience. AFN Head Coach Solomon Aliyu commented, “While we have prepared our athletes for podium performances, this championship is not a matter of life and death for us.”

Kenya is also fielding a larger team than in previous years, with Secretary of Athletics Kenya Youth and Development Committee, Joseph Ilovi, confident that they will dominate the championships this time around.

The upcoming event is anticipated to be thrilling, with over 800 athletes expected to compete. It serves as a vital opportunity for discovering and nurturing the next generation of African athletic talent.

Notable past participants of the championships include current World 100m hurdles champion Tobi Amusan and Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, an Olympic champion and African record holder in the 200m.

Fidelis Gadzama, who went on to achieve Olympic glory in 2000, is now part of the LOC and leads one of the sub-committees for this year’s event. His journey from Ibadan 1997 serves as an inspiring reminder of the impact these championships can have on young athletes.

The medals table has often seen Nigeria at the forefront, having topped the rankings in both the Ibadan and Warri championships. The previous combined championships were successfully held in Mauritius in 2022 and Ndola, Zambia, in 2023.

Rosa Collins-Okah, a former Nigerian triple jumper and LOC member, underscored the championships’ significance as a developmental platform for junior athletes. She stated, “This event will provide invaluable experience as athletes prepare for higher-level competitions, contributing to the growth of athletics in Africa.”

As anticipation builds for Abeokuta 2025, the championships promise an exciting showcase of athletic prowess and the potential for new records and future stars to emerge.