For the first time in six years, global sportswear giant Puma will once again kit Team Nigeria, marking a high-profile return to the national colours ahead of the African U18/U20 Athletics Championships set to take place in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
This development brings a fresh wave of excitement and optimism around Nigeria’s junior athletics program, especially as 92 promising athletes have been shortlisted to don the green and white across both the U18 and U20 categories.
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The Puma kits, unveiled ahead of the championship’s kickoff, signal a rekindled partnership after the brand last kitted Nigeria during the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha. The move is being hailed by stakeholders as a confidence boost for the country’s young athletes and a step forward for Nigerian athletics.
Among the notable athletes included in the national roster are Chioma Nwachukwu and Prestina Ochonogor — two emerging stars expected to be key medal contenders for Nigeria at the championships. Their inclusion further raises expectations for a strong showing on home soil.
Sources close to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) say the return of Puma is part of ongoing efforts to improve branding, athlete morale, and Nigeria’s competitive outlook in international competitions.
The African U18/U20 Championships will serve as a major talent showcase for Africa’s next generation of track and field stars, with the Nigerian contingent aiming to make a bold statement — not just on the medal table, but in style.
The event kicks off this week at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, with Nigeria looking to top the medals table in front of home fans.
