The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has officially announced the selection of 92 athletes for the 3rd Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U-18/U-20 Championships taking place in Abeokuta. This significant announcement marks a critical step for Team Nigeria as the nation prepares to host some of the continent’s best young athletic talents. The championships are a major event on the African athletics calendar and provide a vital platform for emerging athletes to showcase their abilities on home soil.
The team comprises 40 athletes in the U-18 category and 52 athletes in the U-20 category, demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to nurturing young talent across different age groups. The selection reflects a thorough evaluation of athletes from the national trials held in Sagamu, which saw fierce competition and impressive performances. The athletes chosen have demonstrated remarkable prowess in their respective events, spanning sprints, middle-distance races, hurdles, and field events.
The selection process involved rigorous scrutiny by AFN’s technical committee, led by experienced coaches and former athletes who emphasize both current performance and future potential. This comprehensive process ensures that Nigeria sends its most competitive squad to Abeokuta, aiming not only for medals but also for valuable international experience for the athletes.
Team Nigeria: Composition and Leadership
Team Nigeria’s composition represents a blend of youthful energy and promising talent with a balanced gender representation. The squad includes sprinters, middle and long-distance runners, jumpers, and throwers, each selected based on their national rankings and recent performances. The athletes’ readiness is supported by a team of experienced coaches, physiotherapists, and support staff to ensure peak performance during the championships.
Leadership within the team is crucial for maintaining morale and focus throughout the intense competition. Temitope Ademola and Victor Clement were appointed captains of the girls’ and boys’ squads respectively. Both athletes are well-respected among their peers and have shown exemplary discipline and commitment. Their roles go beyond just competing; they are tasked with fostering team cohesion, motivating fellow athletes, and serving as liaisons between the coaching staff and athletes.
The leadership structure is further supported by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s Technical Director, Gabriel Okon, who oversees strategic preparations and ensures alignment with Nigeria’s broader athletics goals. Additionally, Olympian Enefiok Udo-Obong, Chairman of the Technical Committee, brings invaluable experience and guidance, emphasizing the importance of international exposure and mental resilience.
Selection Process
The selection of the 92 athletes was the culmination of a meticulously conducted national trials series. Held in Sagamu, the trials attracted the country’s top young athletes competing for the honor to represent Nigeria at the continental championships. Performances were closely monitored, with athletes required to meet strict qualifying standards in their events.
The trials spanned multiple days and featured a range of track and field disciplines. The process was designed to identify athletes not only with the best times and distances but also those demonstrating consistency and competitive temperament. The AFN placed emphasis on readiness and the ability to perform under pressure, factors deemed critical for success on the international stage.
Following the trials, a technical committee reviewed all results and conducted consultations with coaches to finalize the team roster. This collaborative approach ensured that selections were based on comprehensive evaluations, balancing potential medal prospects with opportunities to develop emerging talents. This process also aimed to ensure a fair and transparent pathway to national representation, encouraging healthy competition among young athletes.
Team Nigeria’s Performance Goals
Team Nigeria’s performance goals at the 3rd CAA U-18/U-20 Championships in Abeokuta combine aspirations for immediate medal success with long-term athlete development. The Athletics Federation of Nigeria is committed to topping the medal table, a goal that reflects Nigeria’s historical dominance and ambition in African athletics. The team’s strategy involves focusing on events where Nigerian athletes have traditionally excelled, including sprints, relays, and certain field events.
While medal count is a key metric, the broader objective is to provide young athletes with valuable exposure and experience. Olympian Enefiok Udo-Obong has highlighted the championships as a critical platform for building mental toughness and technical skills. The aim is to nurture athletes who will transition successfully to senior international competitions, including the World Championships and the Olympic Games.
The leadership provided by captains Temitope Ademola and Victor Clement plays an integral role in keeping the team focused and motivated. Their responsibilities include maintaining high team spirit, ensuring discipline, and helping athletes navigate the pressures of competing on home ground. The overall goal is to achieve a balance between competitive excellence and developmental progression, ensuring that Nigeria’s next generation of stars is well-prepared for future challenges.
Event Schedule and Key Competitions
The championships span five days from July 16 to July 20, 2025, held at the MKO Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta. Each day features a carefully structured schedule balancing preliminary heats, semi-finals, and finals across track and field disciplines. The event attracts over 700 athletes from 35 African countries, creating a highly competitive environment.
The opening day focused on the opening ceremony and initial qualifying rounds. Following days saw key finals in sprint events such as the 100m and 400m for both U-18 and U-20 categories, alongside middle-distance races and field competitions like discus and javelin. The final day features the marquee 200m finals, 4x400m relays, and long jump events, drawing considerable attention from fans and media alike.
Highlights include the 100m finals expected to showcase Africa’s fastest juniors, the distance events that test endurance and strategy, and the relays which emphasize team coordination and speed. Field events provide a display of strength and technical skill with competitions in pole vault, hammer throw, and long jump. Broadcast coverage from partners such as SuperSport and StarTimes ensures fans can follow the action live, enhancing engagement across the continent.
Notable Athletes to Watch
Several Nigerian athletes stand out as contenders for medals and records. Gafar Badmus, a versatile quarter-miler, captured attention with his dominant 400m national trials win clocking 45.78 seconds. His capability to compete in 200m and 800m events adds depth to Nigeria’s medal hopes in individual and relay categories.
John Caleb, a sprint specialist, impressed by winning the 100m and 200m at the trials with times that mark him as a formidable opponent. His explosive starts and bend running will be critical in sprint events. Chioma Nwachukwu, with collegiate experience in the United States, brings an international edge and is expected to be a key player in the 400m and relay teams.
Israel Okon is another rising star, holding the U-20 national 100m record and tying Auburn University’s 60m record at 6.51 seconds. His performances forecast a promising sprint career. Emerging talents like Favour Onyah, known for her strength in 200m and 400m events and her success in collegiate competitions, add to the team’s competitive edge. Other athletes such as Christian Dickson and Salami Oseiwe complete a well-rounded squad with potential across multiple events.
Media Coverage and Fan Engagement
The championships have drawn substantial media attention, with over 240 sports journalists covering the event, including a significant contingent from Nigeria and international reporters. This level of media presence ensures that the achievements and stories of the young athletes reach a wide audience across Africa and beyond.
Local fan engagement has been robust, with packed stands at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex and enthusiastic support from the community. The lively atmosphere energizes competitors and fosters national pride. Digital platforms complement traditional media, with social media channels actively providing updates, live results, and interactive content that broadens the reach and connects fans globally.
This comprehensive media and fan engagement strategy highlights Nigeria’s capability to host large-scale sporting events and underscores the growing popularity of athletics within the country. It also serves as a catalyst for inspiring future generations to participate in the sport.
