The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has officially announced the dates for the national trials ahead of the 2025 Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U-18 and U-20 Championships. The trials are scheduled to take place from June 30 to July 1 at the Gateway International Stadium in Sagamu, Ogun State.
These trials will serve as the final selection process to determine Nigeria’s representatives for the continental championships, which will be held from July 16 to 20 at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta.
According to the CAA, the prestigious competition is expected to feature over 800 young athletes from more than 50 African nations. Participants in both the U-18 and U-20 categories will compete in a wide range of track and field events, including sprints, middle- and long-distance races, hurdles, jumps, throws, and relays.
To ensure the integrity of the selection process, the AFN has issued strict documentation requirements. All athletes must present national identity slips, birth certificates, school leaving certificates, and WAEC results, where applicable. The federation emphasized that incomplete documentation could lead to disqualification, urging athletes and coaches to ensure full compliance.
Following the trials, selected athletes will join a national training camp, where preparations will be intensified. The AFN has already invited 90 junior athletes to the camp, focusing on physical conditioning, technical improvement, and team coordination—particularly in the relay events.
“This is an opportunity for our future stars to compete against the best on the continent and also learn the discipline and commitment required at this level,” said AFN president Tonobok Okowa.
The upcoming championship will mark the first time Nigeria is hosting the event under the current AFN leadership. Originally scheduled to take place in Oran, Algeria, the CAA relocated the event to Abeokuta due to “various reasons.”
Meanwhile, Kenya has concluded its own selection trials and will send 45 athletes to Nigeria. According to Joseph Ilovi, Athletics Kenya Youth Committee Secretary, their delegation will enter camp from June 30 to July 13, before flying into Nigeria for the event.
The 2025 edition will be the third combined staging of the CAA U-18 and U-20 Championships, a platform that continues to launch Africa’s next generation of elite athletes onto the global stage.
