UNITY THROUGH SPORTS: NIGERIA HOSTS AFRICAN'S FUTURE CHAMPIONS IN ABEOKUTA
The city of Abeokuta came alive on Tuesday, July 16, as the 2025 Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U-18/U-20 Championships kicks off at the iconic MKO Abiola Sports Arena.
The event, which runs through July 20, welcomed over 41 African nations and hundreds of dignitaries, uniting the continent in a celebration of youth, excellence, and sporting spirit.
In his welcome address, the Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, hailed the event as more than a sporting competition describing it as “a celebration of youth, unity, and Africa’s unrelenting spirit.
Dikko reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of African sports stars and lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership in repositioning Nigerian sports through the re-establishment of the NSC.
The Chairman highlighted the event as a manifestation of the "Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE)," aimed at building a sustainable and commercially viable sports ecosystem in the country.
In his goodwill message, the Director General, NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, commended the athletes and volunteers, calling the event “a historic turning point for youth sports development in Africa.”
The Director General/LOC Chairman noted that the athletes had inspired the nations with their outstanding performances and he is certain that the competition will set a new benchmark.
"My expectations are very high, you the athletes have inspired us with your outstanding performances, whether on the NCAA circuits, global competitions, or local championships at home. We are certain that this combined 2025 CAA African U18/U20 Championships will set a new benchmark- perhaps our best yet" He said.
Olopade admonished athletes that the championship is not a do or die affair that beyond the medals, they should focus on their growth, development, and the experience that will shape their future
"As you compete, remember, this championship is not a do or die affair. Beyond the medals, focus on your growth, your development, and the experience that will shape your future.
The DG on behalf of the Local organising committee LOC, pledged the provision of possible support and environment for athletes to excel.
The championship drew high praise from visiting dignitaries and officials, including the President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), Mr. Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, who was keenly watching the competition as it's going on.
Ogun State, the host, earned plaudits for its hospitality, world-class facilities, and proven capacity to stage international sporting events, having recently hosted the National Sports Festival.
As competition heats up in the coming days, all eyes remain on Abeokuta — not just as a battleground for medals, but as a shining example of what sport can do to bridge divides, inspire unity, and light the path to a brighter future for Africa’s youth.
South Africa, the defending champions, made an early statement by clinching the first gold medal of the competition and Nigeria a silver medal setting the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested championship.
Dr. (Mrs.) Kehinde Ajayi, FCAI, ANIPR
Director (Information and PR)
July 17, 2025
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