Thirty (30) countries have so far indicated interest to participate in the forthcoming 3rd edition of the AFRICAN U-18 Athletics championship schedule to hold in Ogun State South West Nigeria.
According to the National Sports Commission, seventy (70) countries are expected to participate in the event which is scheduled for 16-20 of July, 2025.
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Addressing a world Press Conference on Wednesday in Abuja, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Mr. Bukola Olopade noted that Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital is ready to host the Continental sporting fiesta.
It would be recalled that Ogun State hosted the 32nd edition of the National Sports Festival which ended few weeks ago with new Athletes discovered by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria AFN.
Organized by the Confederation of African Athletics CAA, in conjunction with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria AFN, the African U-18 Athletics championship was designed to help discover and nurture budding talents ahead of the Olympic Games.
And Mr. Olopade is highly optimistic that this 3rd edition of the event will Live up to its billing ahead of the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
“The CAA U-18 Junior Africa Athletics Championship promises to be a platform for discovering new talents and showcasing the best of African athletics. With the event just around the corner, anticipation is building, and expectations are high for a successful and exciting championship.”
ATHLETES’ WELFARE, OFILI
The Director General also stressed the need for an effective & sustainable administrative structure that Focuses more on the welfare of athletes as representatives of Nigeria.
Bukola Olopade was speaking in view of the recent reports that Nigerian athlete, Favour Ofili was on the verge of switching nationality for Turkey.
Mr. Olopade however, confirmed that the reported plans of switching nationality by Favour Ofili has not been communicated officially to the National Sports Commission
He confirmed that athletes allowances for the 2028 Olympics were disbursed two months ago, insisting that Favour Ofili was among the first batch of athletes who received their Training grants in preparation for the Los Angeles games.