Izuchukwu Okosi
The city of Abeokuta, Ogun State will host the 3rd Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) African Junior Athletics Championship from July 16-20, 2025, Prime Business Africa reports.
The prestigious biennial athletics competition in the calendar of the World Athletics, will be making a return to the country after several years of hiatus.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThis comes in the aftermath of a successful hosting of the 22nd National Sports Festival Gateway Games in the state.
The African Athletics Youth Championship will feature over 500 athletes from 50 African nations.
Events will hold across U-18 and U-20 categories with defending champions South Africa the overwhelming favourites to win in Ogun State.
The Games will hold at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex Abeokuta fresh from hosting the National Sports Festival.
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Honourable Bukola Olopade, DG of the National Sports Commission, emphasized the event’s significance:
“This isn’t just a competition – it’s a celebration of Africa’s athletic future. Nigeria is honored to host again and showcase our world-class organizational capabilities.”
The choice of Abeokuta – nicknamed “The Gateway City” – reinforces Ogun State’s growing reputation as Nigeria’s emerging sports development hub, boasting:
* State-of-the-art facilities
* Strategic location with excellent connectivity
* Proven track record hosting major events
The championship has historically served as the breeding ground for Africa’s Olympic and World Champions, with this edition offering:
• Crucial development opportunities for young athletes
• Early identification of track and field prodigies
• Continental bragging rights for emerging nations
As final preparations intensify, all eyes remain on Nigeria to deliver another flawless sporting spectacle while potentially unearthing the continent’s next generation of athletic superstars.
Participating countries have not unveiled their teams for the competition 35 days to the start of hostilities.
Some athletes who were part of the World Junior Athletics Championship last year in Peru are expected to make the cut for the championship in Ogun State.
Media accreditation for the event will be announced by the Local Organizing Committee.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
