The countdown is officially on as Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, Nigeria, prepares to host the 3rd African U-18 and U-20 Athletics Championships, set to take place from July 16 to 20, 2025, at the iconic MKO Abiola International Stadium.
With just 30 days to go, anticipation is mounting for what promises to be a vibrant showcase of Africa’s most promising athletic talents. The newly upgraded stadium has been certified competition-ready by the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), which has endorsed Abeokuta as a capable host for this high-level continental event.
The championship is expected to draw participation from over 50 African nations, with national contingents scheduled to begin arriving from July 12. The competition will feature young athletes competing across a variety of track and field events, all vying for continental glory and aiming to etch their names among the next generation of African sports legends.
This year’s event holds added significance as it continues the legacy of Nigerian athletic excellence, following in the footsteps of icons such as Falilat Ogunkoya, Mary Onyali, Olusoji Fasuba, Deji Aliyu, and Yusuf Alli, all of whom began their rise on junior platforms similar to this.
For Nigeria, hosting the championship is more than a sporting event — it’s a statement of intent. The country aims to not only showcase its infrastructure and organizational capabilities but also provide a launchpad for emerging stars on the road to global competitions like the World Athletics U-20 Championships and the Olympic Games.
Beyond athletics, Ogun State is also laying the foundation to host the WAFU B U-17 Football Championship, further establishing Abeokuta as a rising hub for elite sports in West Africa.
The 2025 African U-18 and U-20 Athletics Championships will not only highlight Africa’s rising talent but will also contribute to local tourism, youth engagement, and international visibility for Nigeria’s sporting scene.
With the final preparations underway, all roads lead to Abeokuta, where the future of African athletics will take center stage in just one month.
