The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has intensified its preparations for the upcoming Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U20/U18 Championships by inviting 90 of the country’s most promising young athletes to a three-week national training camp in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The championship, scheduled to hold from July 16 to 20, will mark Nigeria’s first major youth athletics event under the current AFN leadership — and with the country playing host, expectations are high for a strong performance both on and off the track.
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Speaking on the camp’s launch, AFN President Chief Tonobok Okowa emphasized that the initiative is not only about assembling a winning team but also about fostering long-term development among Nigeria’s emerging talents.
“This is an opportunity for our future stars to compete against the best on the continent, and also learn the discipline and commitment required at this level,” Okowa said.
The camp, which began this week, will focus on enhancing the athletes’ physical conditioning, sharpening technical performance, and building team cohesion — particularly in the relays, where Nigeria has traditionally excelled. Trials will be held during the camp to determine the final list of athletes who will represent the country.
“As hosts, we want to take full advantage of the home support and atmosphere. But beyond medals, we want to build a pathway that allows these young athletes to gain valuable experience and grow into future champions,” Okowa added.
The CAA U20/U18 Championships will feature top junior athletes from across Africa. With Nigeria’s rich history in youth athletics and the backing of home fans in Abeokuta, the AFN sees the event as a launchpad for future continental and global stars.
As the countdown begins, all eyes will be on Abeokuta — not just for podium finishes, but for the emergence of the next generation of Nigerian athletics heroes.
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