With just 30 days to go until the 3rd African U18 and U20 Athletics Championships, Abeokuta is not only preparing for a continental sports showcase—it’s gearing up for a significant economic and social lift.
The host city, capital of Ogun State, is undergoing final touches at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, which has been recently upgraded to meet international standards.
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But beyond the track, the real action is already beginning across the city’s hospitality, transport, and retail sectors, where anticipation is high for the influx of athletes, officials, media personnel, and fans from over 50 countries.
Local businesses are already seeing signs of growth. Hotels are reporting increased bookings ahead of the July 12 arrival of participating teams, while vendors and tour operators are preparing for what they describe as “a mini-economic festival.”
“This event is bigger than sports,” said Mrs. Abike Lawal, who runs a mid-size guest house in the Kuto area. “It’s about our image, our economy, and our people. We are already seeing guests call in from Kenya and Côte d’Ivoire.”
The Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) has greenlit all preparations, declaring Abeokuta fully ready to host the continent’s best young talents from July 16 to 20.
For Ogun State, this endorsement is more than a vote of confidence—it’s a validation of years of investment in sports infrastructure and youth development.
“This is an opportunity to showcase not just our facilities, but our culture, our warmth, and our ability to host world-class events,” said Mr. Tunde Olaosebikan, a member of the local organizing committee. “We’re not just thinking athletics—we’re thinking legacy.”
Adding to the anticipation is the state’s parallel ambition to host the WAFU B U-17 Football Championship in the near future, a move that further underscores Ogun’s vision to position itself as a regional sports powerhouse.
From grassroots vendors to state officials, the buzz around the African Junior Athletics Championships is unmistakable.
As track dreams ignite in Abeokuta, so too does hope for sustainable economic growth—and a spotlight on Nigeria’s next generation of champions.
