By Atolagbe Femi

With just 35 days to go, Nigeria is ramping up preparations to host the 3rd edition of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) African Junior Athletics Championship, scheduled for July 16–20, 2025, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Returning to Nigerian soil, the prestigious biennial competition will showcase the continent’s brightest young stars in track and field. The newly refurbished MKO Abiola International Stadium, which recently hosted the 22nd National Sports Festival, will serve as the championship venue.

More than 500 athletes from over 50 African nations are expected to participate, making this one of the largest and most competitive gatherings of Under-18 and Under-20 talent in African athletics.

South Africa, the reigning overall champions, will be aiming to defend their title. However, Team Nigeria’s young prospects are equally determined to shine on home ground.

“This is not just a competition; it is a celebration of Africa’s future in track and field,”

Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General, National Sports Commission.

“Nigeria is honored to host once again and to demonstrate its world-class capacity in organizing major sporting events,” he added.

The selection of Abeokuta, known as the Gateway City, highlights Ogun State’s rising profile as a hub for sports development. With its state-of-the-art facilities and strategic location, the city promises to deliver a memorable and seamless experience for athletes, officials, and fans.

Widely recognized as a launchpad for future Olympians and world champions, the CAA African Junior Championships will once again put Africa’s next generation of athletic stars in the spotlight.

As the countdown continues, the eyes of the continent turn toward Nigeria—poised to reaffirm its status as a true giant of African sport.